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At least 325 records · Page 18

Design and Fabrication of a Ring-Stiffened Graphite-Epoxy Corrugated Cylindrical Shell

Design and fabrication of supplement test panels that represent key portions of the cylinder are described, as are supporting tests of coupons, sample joints, and stiffening ring elements. The cylindrical shell is a ring-stiffened, open corrugation design that uses T300/5208 graphite-epoxy tape as the basic material for the shell wall and stiffening rings. The test cylinder is designed to withstand bending loads producing the relatively low maximum load intensity in the shell wall of 1,576 N/cm. The resulting shell wall weight, including stiffening rings and fasteners, is 0.0156 kg/m. The shell weight achieved in the graphite-epoxy cylinder represents a weight saving of approximately 23 percent, compared to a comparable aluminum shell. A unique fabrication approach was used in which the cylinder wall was built in three flat segments, which were then wrapped to the cylindrical shape. Such an approach, made possible by the flexibility of the thin corrugated wall in a radial direction, proved to be a simple approach to building the test cylinder. Based on tooling and fabrication methods in this program, the projected costs of a production run of 100 units are reported.

Johnson, R., Jr.↗

On sound transmission into a stiffened cylindrical shell with rings and stringers treated as discrete elements

In the context of the transmission of airborne noise into an aircraft fuselage, a mathematical model is presented for the transmission of an oblique plane sound wave into a finite cylindrical shell stiffened by stringers and ring frames. The rings and stringers are modeled as discrete structural elements. The numerical case studied was typical of a narrow-bodied jet transport fuselage. The numerical results show that the ring-frequency dip in the transmission loss curve that is present for a monocoque shell is still present in the case of a stiffened shell. The ring frequency effect is a result of the cylindrical geometry of the shell. Below the ring frequency, stiffening does not appear to have any significant effect on transmission loss, but above the ring frequency, stiffeners can enhance the transmission loss of a cylindrical shell.

Koval, L. R.↗

The Far-Ultraviolet Spectra of Two Hot PG1159 Stars

PG 1159 stars are hot, hydrogen-deficient (pre-) white dwarfs with atmospheres mainly composed of helium, carbon, and oxygen. The unusual surface chemistry is the result of a late helium-shell flash. Observed element abundances enable us to test stellar evolution models quantitatively with respect to their nucleosynthesis products formed near the helium-burning shell of the progenitor asymptotic giant branch stars. Because of the high effective temperatures (T(sub eff)), abundance determinations require ultraviolet spectroscopy and non-local thermodynamic equilibrium model atmosphere analyses. Up to now, we have presented results for the prototype of this spectral class and two cooler members (T(sub eff) in the range 85,000-140,000 K). Here we report on the results for two even hotter stars (PG 1520+525 and PG 1144+005, both with T(sub eff) = 150,000 K) which are the only two objects in this temperature-gravity region for which useful far-ultraviolet spectra are available, and revisit the prototype star. Previous results on the abundances of some species are confirmed, while results on others (Si, P, S) are revised. In particular, a solar abundance of sulphur is measured in contrast to earlier claims of a strong S deficiency that contradicted stellar evolution models. For the first time, we assess the abundances of Na, Al, andCl with newly constructed non-LTE model atoms. Besides the main constituents (He, C, O), we determine the abundances (or upper limits) of N, F, Ne, Na, Al, Si, P, S, Cl, Ar, and Fe. Generally, good agreement with stellar models is found.

Werner, K.↗

Finite-element modeling of structural vibrations - Recent developments

Recent advances in the development of refined theories and their finite-element analyses of plates and shells are reviewed and sample results are presented. Both single-layer and layer-wise plate theories for the analysis of laminated composite plates and shells are discussed. The effect of element locking, physical symmetries and boundary conditions on natural frequencies are discussed, and the accuracy of various theories is evaluated. The layer-wise laminate theories developed by the author and his colleagues yield significantly more accurate results for laminated plates and shells with dissimilar layers than the conventional single-layer theories.

Reddy, J. N.↗

Design and fabrication of a large graphite-epoxy cylindrical shell

This paper describes the design and fabrication of a 10-foot diameter by 10-foot long graphite-epoxy cylinder and reports the results of developmental tests conducted with sample joints, material coupons, and stiffening ring elements. The cylindrical shell is a ring-stiffened, open corrugation design using T300/5208 graphite-epoxy tape as the basic material for the shell wall and stiffening rings. The cylinder is designed to withstand bending loads producing the relatively low maximum load intensity of 900 lb/in. The resulting shell wall weight, including stiffening rings and fasteners, is 0.37 lb/sq ft. The shell weight expected in the graphite-epoxy cylinder represents a weight savings of approximately 23 percent over that of a comparable aluminum shell. The cylinder wall was built in three flat segments which were wrapped to the cylindrical shape upon assembly. Such an approach, made possible by the flexibility of the thin corrugated wall in a radial direction, proved to be a simple one.

Johnson, R., Jr.↗

Geometrically nonlinear analysis of layered composite shells

Two kinds of finite-element analyses are developed for the geometrically nonlinear study of the large deformations in laminated composite structures, especially shells. The first kind of finite-element analysis utilizes the general incremental variational formulation as well as the total Lagrangian description of motion, and a three-dimensional degenerate element is adopted. The second kind of analysis employs a formulation based on deformable shell theory, and the plate-bending element is used. Numerical results for bending are presented for five plate and shell structures of isotropic as well as orthotropic composition, including an isotropic cylindrical panel with uniform loading and a laminated cylindrical panel with uniform loading. The results obtained using these analyses are found to be in good agreement with those available in the literature.

Chao, W. C.↗

Design and fabrication of a boron reinforced intertank skirt

Analytical and experimental studies were performed to evaluate the structural efficiency of a boron reinforced shell, where the medium of reinforcement consists of hollow aluminum extrusions infiltrated with boron epoxy. Studies were completed for the design of a one-half scale minimum weight shell using boron reinforced stringers and boron reinforced rings. Parametric and iterative studies were completed for the design of minimum weight stringers, rings, shells without rings and shells with rings. Computer studies were completed for the final evaluation of a minimum weight shell using highly buckled minimum gage skin. The detail design is described of a practical minimum weight test shell which demonstrates a weight savings of 30% as compared to an all aluminum longitudinal stiffened shell. Sub-element tests were conducted on representative segments of the compression surface at maximum stress and also on segments of the load transfer joint. A 10 foot long, 77 inch diameter shell was fabricated from the design and delivered for further testing.

Henshaw, J.↗

On Dynamics of Spinning Structures

This paper provides details of developments pertaining to vibration analysis of gyroscopic systems, that involves a finite element structural discretization followed by the solution of the resulting matrix eigenvalue problem by a progressive, accelerated simultaneous iteration technique. Thus Coriolis, centrifugal and geometrical stiffness matrices are derived for shell and line elements, followed by the eigensolution details as well as solution of representative problems that demonstrates the efficacy of the currently developed numerical procedures and tools.

Rotating bodies↗

Error analysis and correction of discrete solutions from finite element codes

Many structures are an assembly of individual shell components. Therefore, results for stresses and deflections from finite element solutions for each shell component should agree with the equations of shell theory. This paper examines the problem of applying shell theory to the error analysis and the correction of finite element results. The general approach to error analysis and correction is discussed first. Relaxation methods are suggested as one approach to correcting finite element results for all or parts of shell structures. Next, the problem of error analysis of plate structures is examined in more detail. The method of successive approximations is adapted to take discrete finite element solutions and to generate continuous approximate solutions for postbuckled plates. Preliminary numerical results are included.

Thurston, G. A.↗

Flutter: A finite element program for aerodynamic instability analysis of general shells of revolution with thermal prestress

Documentation for the computer program FLUTTER is presented. The theory of aerodynamic instability with thermal prestress is discussed. Theoretical aspects of the finite element matrices required in the aerodynamic instability analysis are also discussed. General organization of the computer program is explained, and instructions are then presented for the execution of the program.

Fallon, D. J.↗

High-Temperature Captive Nut Assembly

High-temperature captive-nut assembly consists of removable nut element that snaps into loose-fitting recesses in shell. Replacement of nut element is easily accomplished with simple handtools. Old nut is pried out and new one pushed into position. Removal is easily accomplished with help of U-shaped tool.

Marke, M. L.↗

Modeling and Sensitivity Analysis of Sandwich Composite Cylinders with Geometric Imperfections

It is well known that real shell structures can have significantly lower buckling loads and even different mode shapes than the theoretical predictions for perfect structures. Much of this difference can be attributed to geometric and loading imperfections, and geometrically nonlinear effects. The realistic buckling response can be investigated using geometrically nonlinear finite element analyses and including radial imperfections. Such analyses are used in the NASA Engineering and Safety Center Shell Buckling Knockdown Factor Project, which has the goal of developing new analysis-based buckling design recommendations for select classes of cylindrical shell structures under uniaxial compressive load. The approach for modeling several sandwich composite cylinders with two-dimensional general-purpose shell elements and the influence of the element type selection and element size on the buckling load is discussed. The influence of geometric imperfections of various magnitudes on buckling behavior of a sandwich composite cylinder was also investigated.

Structural Modeling↗

Modeling and Sensitivity Analysis of Sandwich Composite Cylinders with Geometric Imperfections

It is well known that manufactured shell structures can have significantly lower buckling loads and different mode shapes than the theoretical predictions for perfect structures. Much of this difference can be attributed to geometric and loading imperfections, and geometrically nonlinear effects. The buckling response of cylindrical structures can be investigated using geometrically nonlinear finite element analyses and including radial imperfections. Such analyses are used in the NASA Engineering and Safety Center Shell Buckling Knockdown Factor Project, which has the goal of developing new analysis-based buckling design recommendations for select classes of cylindrical shell structures under uniaxial compressive load. The approach for modeling several sandwich composite cylinders with two-dimensional general-purpose shell elements and the influence of the element type selection and element size on the buckling load is discussed. The influence of geometric imperfections of various magnitudes on buckling behavior of a sandwich composite cylinder was also investigated.

Structural Modeling↗

: Modeling and Sensitivity Analysis of Sandwich Composite Cylinders with Geometric Imperfections

It is well known that manufactured shell structures can have significantly lower buckling loads and different mode shapes than the theoretical predictions for perfect structures. Much of this difference can be attributed to geometric and loading imperfections, and geometrically nonlinear effects. The buckling response of cylindrical structures can be investigated using geometrically nonlinear finite element analyses and including radial imperfections. Such analyses are used in the NASA Engineering and Safety Center Shell Buckling Knockdown Factor Project, which has the goal of developing new analysis-based buckling design recommendations for select classes of cylindrical shell structures under uniaxial compressive load. The approach for modeling several sandwich composite cylinders with two-dimensional general-purpose shell elements and the influence of the element type selection and element size on the buckling load is discussed. The influence of geometric imperfections of various magnitudes on buckling behavior of a sandwich composite cylinder was also investigated.

Structural Modeling↗

Parameter identification of material constants in a composite shell structure

One of the basic requirements in engineering analysis is the development of a mathematical model describing the system. Frequently comparisons with test data are used as a measurement of the adequacy of the model. An attempt is typically made to update or improve the model to provide a test verified analysis tool. System identification provides a systematic procedure for accomplishing this task. The terms system identification, parameter estimation, and model correlation all refer to techniques that use test information to update or verify mathematical models. The goal of system identification is to improve the correlation of model predictions with measured test data, and produce accurate, predictive models. For nonmetallic structures the modeling task is often difficult due to uncertainties in the elastic constants. A finite element model of the shell was created, which included uncertain orthotropic elastic constants. A modal survey test was then performed on the shell. The resulting modal data, along with the finite element model of the shell, were used in a Bayes estimation algorithm. This permitted the use of covariance matrices to weight the confidence in the initial parameter values as well as confidence in the measured test data. The estimation procedure also employed the concept of successive linearization to obtain an approximate solution to the original nonlinear estimation problem.

Martinez, David R.↗

Application and implementation of transient algorithms in computer programs

A brief introduction is given to the nonlinear finite element programs developed at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. The four programs are DYNA3D and DYNA2D, which are explicit hydrocodes, and NIKE3D and NIKE2D, which are implicit programs. The main emphasis is on DYNA3D with asides about the other programs. During the past year several new features were added to DYNA3D, and major improvements were made in the computational efficiency of the shell and beam elements. Most of these new features and improvements will eventually make their way into the other programs. The emphasis in the computational mechanics effort was always, and continues to be, efficiency. To get the most out of the supercomputers, all Crays, the programs were vectorized where possible. Several of the more interesting capabilities of DYNA3D will be described and the impact on efficiency will be discussed. Some of the recent work on NIKE3D and NIKE2D will also be presented. In the belief that a single example is worth a thousand equations, the theory is skipped entirely and the examples presented.

Benson, David J.↗