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At least 289 records · Page 16

Variability of ultimate properties of elastomers

The measurement of the ultimate properties of elastomers is characterized by variability in the data. For example, when a sufficient number of specimens is tested, distributions in the values of the stress-at-break, strain-at-break, and time-to-break are commonly obtained. It is pointed out that such variability can be rationalized on the basis of variations in both the degree of crosslinking and in the size of naturally occurring flows present in the elastomer.

Fedors, R. F.↗

Toward the correctable-interference transonic wind tunnel

The concept of a correctable-interference transonic wind tunnel combining a capability for wall-interference assessment with a limited capability for wall control is introduced. Recent progress toward achieving the interference assessment capability is described. The feasibility of using experimentally measured data directly as boundary values for the assessment in lieu of more generally formulated but less accurate wall boundary conditions is demonstrated for two-dimensional subsonic flows. Also, a procedure for transonic analysis of wall interference which leads to a rational definition of the wall-induced perturbation field within the context of nonlinear transonic flow computations is outlined in principle.

Kemp, W. B., Jr.↗

Defining structural limit zones

Method for defining limit loads uses probability distribution of largest load occurring during given time intervals. Method is compatible with both deterministic and probabilistic structural design criteria. It also rationally accounts for fact that longer structure is exposed to random loading environment, greater is possibility that it will experience extreme load.

Merchant, D. H.↗

A Rayleigh-Ritz approach to the synthesis of large structures with rotating flexible components

The equations of motion for large structures with rotating flexible components are derived by regarding the structure as an assemblage of substructures. Based on a stationarity principle for rotating structures, it is shown that each continuous or discrete substructure can be simulated by a suitable set of admissible functions or admissible vectors. This substructure synthesis approach provides a rational basis for truncating the number of degrees of freedom both of each substructure and of the assembled structure.

Meirovitch, L.↗

Float-zone processing in a weightless environment

The results were reported of investigations to: (1) test the validity of analyses which set maximum practical diameters for Si crystals that can be processed by the float zone method in a near weightless environment, (2) determine the convective flow patterns induced in a typical float zone, Si melt under conditions perceived to be advantageous to the crystal growth process using flow visualization techniques applied to a dimensionally scaled model of the Si melt, (3) revise the estimates of the economic impact of space produced Si crystal by the float zone method on the U.S. electronics industry, and (4) devise a rational plan for future work related to crystal growth phenomena wherein low gravity conditions available in a space site can be used to maximum benefit to the U.S. electronics industry.

Fowle, A. A.↗

SCAR program overview

The objectives, program elements, and distribution of research effort in the NASA AST/SCAR Program since its inception in July of 1972 are discussed. The data needed to make rational decisions in the consideration of future military and civil supersonic aircraft were the main directive.

Mclean, F. E.↗

DSN system performance test Doppler noise models; noncoherent configuration

The newer model for variance, the Allan technique, now adopted for testing, is analyzed in the subject mode. A model is generated (including considerable contribution from the station secondary frequency standard), and rationalized with existing data. The variance model is definitely sound; the Allan technique mates theory and measure. The mean-frequency model is an estimate; this problem is yet to be rigorously resolved. The unaltered defining expressions are noncovergent, and the observed mean is quite erratic.

Bunce, R.↗

Finite state modeling of aeroelastic systems

A general theory of finite state modeling of aerodynamic loads on thin airfoils and lifting surfaces performing completely arbitrary, small, time-dependent motions in an airstream is developed and presented. The nature of the behavior of the unsteady airloads in the frequency domain is explained, using as raw materials any of the unsteady linearized theories that have been mechanized for simple harmonic oscillations. Each desired aerodynamic transfer function is approximated by means of an appropriate Pade approximant, that is, a rational function of finite degree polynomials in the Laplace transform variable. The modeling technique is applied to several two dimensional and three dimensional airfoils. Circular, elliptic, rectangular and tapered planforms are considered as examples. Identical functions are also obtained for control surfaces for two and three dimensional airfoils.

Vepa, R.↗

Interacting turbulent boundary layer over a wavy wall

The two dimensional supersonic flow of a thick turbulent boundary layer over a train of relatively small wave-like protuberances is considered. The flow conditions and the geometry are such that there exists a strong interaction between the viscous and inviscid flow. The problem cannot be solved without inclusion of interaction effects due to the occurrence of the separation singularity in classical boundary layer methods. The interacting boundary layer equations are solved numerically using a time-like relaxation method with turbulence effects represented by the inclusion of the eddy viscosity model. Results are presented for flow over a train of up to six waves for Mach numbers of 10 and 32 million/meter, and wall temperature rations (T sub w/T sub 0) of 0.4 and 0.8. Limited comparisons with independent experimental and analytical results are also given. Detailed results on the influence of small protuberances on surface heating by boundary layers are presented.

Polak, A.↗

Report of the panel on theoretical aerodynamics

Requirements for flow quality in the National Transonic Facility are explored. Viscous flow effects of concern to theoreticians are discussed. Experiments outlined for theory validation in the facility include validating high aspect ratio wing-body combination; low aspect ratio moderately swept wing; low aspect ratio highly swept wing; high lift systems on high aspect ration wings; Reynolds number scaling; dynamic shock- boundary layer interaction; and the effect of R and M on dynamic stall.

Bobbitt, P. J.↗

An improved algorithm for the isolation of polynomial real zeros

THe Collins-Loos algorithm for computing isolating intervals for the zeros of an integer polynomial requires the evaluation of polynomials at rational points. This implies the use of arbitrary precision integer arithmetic. It is shown how careful use of single precision, floating point arithmetic within the context of a slightly modified algorithm can make the calculation considerably faster and no less exact. Typically, 95% or more of the evaluations can be done without exact arithmetic. The precise speedup depends on the relative costs of the arithmetic in a given implementation. The implementation on DEC KL-10 computer is some 5 to 10 times faster than the original Univac 1110 implementation in SAC-I.

Fateman, R. J.↗

Indefinite hypergeometric sums in MACSYMA

A MACSYMA function is presented which, given the command a sub n = delta g(n) = g(n+1)-g(n), finds g(n), the indefinite sum, within an additive constant, provided that g(n+1)/g(n) is a rational function of n.

Gosper, R. W., Jr.↗

Experimental and analytical dynamic flow characteristics of an axial-flow fan from an air cushion landing system model

An investigation was conducted to compare the steady-state and dynamic flow characteristics of an axial-flow fan which had been used previously as the air supply fan for some model air cushion landing system studies. Steady-state flow characteristics were determined in the standard manner by using differential orifice pressures for the flow regime from free flow to zero flow. In this same regime, a correlative technique was established so that fan inlet and outlet pressures could be used to measure dynamic flow as created by a rotating damper. Dynamic tests at damper frequencies up to 5 Hz showed very different flow characteristics when compared with steady-state flow, particularly with respect to peak pressures and the pressure-flow relationship at fan stall and unstall. A generalized, rational mathematical fan model was developed based on physical fan parameters and a steady-state flow characteristic. The model showed good correlation with experimental tests at damper frequencies up to 5 Hz.

Thompson, W. C.↗

A multilevel approach for minimum weight structural design including local and system buckling constraints

A rational multilevel approach for minimum weight structural design of truss and wing structures including local and system buckling constraints is presented. Overall proportioning of the structure is achieved at the system level subject to strength, displacement and system buckling constraints, while the detailed component designs are carried out separately at the component level satisfying local buckling constraints. Total structural weight is taken to be the objective function at the system level while employing the change in the equivalent system stiffness of the component as the component level objective function. Finite element analysis is used to predict static response while system buckling behavior is handled by incorporating a geometric stiffness matrix capability. Buckling load factors and the corresponding mode shapes are obtained by solving the eigenvalue problem associated with the assembled elastic stiffness and geometric stiffness matrices for the structural system. At the component level various local buckling failure modes are guarded against using semi-empirical formulas. Mathematical programming techniques are employed at both the system and component level.

Schmit, L. A., Jr.↗

Continuum models for static and dynamic analysis of repetitive lattices

A simple, rational approach is presented for developing continuum models for large repetitive lattice structures subjected to static and dynamic loadings. The procedure involves introducing kinematic assumptions to reduce the dimensionality of the lattice, and equating the strain and kinetic energies of the continuum model to those of the original lattice structure. The proposed procedure is applied to obtain effective elastic and dynamic characteristics of continuum plate models for double-layered grids. Numerical results are presented of stress and free vibration problems for two double-layered grids. These problems demonstrate the high accuracy of the continuum plate models developed. Also, an assessment is made of different approximations to these models.

Noor, A. K.↗

Unsteady aerodynamic modeling for arbitrary motions

A study is presented on the unsteady aerodynamic loads due to arbitrary motions of a thin wing and their adaptation for the calculation of response and true stability of aeroelastic modes. In an Appendix, the use of Laplace transform techniques and the generalized Theodorsen function for two-dimensional incompressible flow is reviewed. New applications of the same approach are shown also to yield airloads valid for quite general small motions. Numerical results are given for the two-dimensional supersonic case. Previously proposed approximate methods, starting from simple harmonic unsteady theory, are evaluated by comparison with exact results obtained by the present approach. The Laplace inversion integral is employed to separate the loads into 'rational' and 'nonrational' parts, of which only the former are involved in aeroelastic stability of the wing. Among other suggestions for further work, it is explained how existing aerodynamic computer programs may be adapted in a fairly straightforward fashion to deal with arbitrary transients.

Edwards, J. W.↗

Theory of viscous transonic flow over airfoils at high Reynolds number

This paper considers viscous flows with unseparated turbulent boundary layers over two-dimensional airfoils at transonic speeds. Conventional theoretical methods are based on boundary layer formulations which do not account for the effect of the curved wake and static pressure variations across the boundary layer in the trailing edge region. In this investigation an extended viscous theory is developed that accounts for both effects. The theory is based on a rational analysis of the strong turbulent interaction at airfoil trailing edges. The method of matched asymptotic expansions is employed to develop formal series solutions of the full Reynolds equations in the limit of Reynolds numbers tending to infinity. Procedures are developed for combining the local trailing edge solution with numerical methods for solving the full potential flow and boundary layer equations. Theoretical results indicate that conventional boundary layer methods account for only about 50% of the viscous effect on lift, the remaining contribution arising from wake curvature and normal pressure gradient effects.

Melnik, R. E.↗

A method for the selection of a functional form for a thermodynamic equation of state using weighted linear least squares stepwise regression

A method was developed for establishing a rational choice of the terms to be included in an equation of state with a large number of adjustable coefficients. The methods presented were developed for use in the determination of an equation of state for oxygen and nitrogen. However, a general application of the methods is possible in studies involving the determination of an optimum polynomial equation for fitting a large number of data points. The data considered in the least squares problem are experimental thermodynamic pressure-density-temperature data. Attention is given to a description of stepwise multiple regression and the use of stepwise regression in the determination of an equation of state for oxygen and nitrogen.

Jacobsen, R. T.↗