Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “displacement functions”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 37 records · Page 2

The Incorporation of Truncated Fourier Series into Finite Difference Approximations of Structural Stability Equations

A new trigonometric approach to the finite difference calculus was applied to the problem of beam buckling as represented by virtual work and equilibrium equations. The trigonometric functions were varied by adjusting a wavelength parameter in the approximating Fourier series. Values of the critical force obtained from the modified approach for beams with a variety of boundary conditions were compared to results using the conventional finite difference method. The trigonometric approach produced significantly more accurate approximations for the critical force than the conventional approach for a relatively wide range in values of the wavelength parameter; and the optimizing value of the wavelength parameter corresponded to the half-wavelength of the buckled mode shape. It was found from a modal analysis that the most accurate solutions are obtained when the approximating function closely represents the actual displacement function and matches the actual boundary conditions.

Hannah, S. R.↗

Wideband optical measurements of ultrasonic pulses

Calibrated masurements of acoustic surface wave pulses by wide bandwidth differential interferometry are described. By interrogating the interference pattern formed by superimposing two optical beams reflected from the surface at slightly separated points, an output signal proportional to instantaneous surface particle displacement is obtained. Response to ideal propagating step function displacements is analyzed and measurements of gated pulses are described.

Claus, R. O.↗

Evolution of assumed stress hybrid finite element

Early versions of the assumed stress hybrid finite elements were based on the a priori satisifaction of stress equilibrium conditions. In the new version such conditions are relaxed but are introduced through additional internal displacement functions as Lagrange multipliers. A rational procedure is to choose the displacement terms such that the resulting strains are now of complete polynomials up to the same degree as that of the assumed stresses. Several example problems indicate that optimal element properties are resulted by this method.

Pian, T. H. H.↗

Use of global functions for improvement in efficiency of nonlinear analysis

A method for improving the efficiency of nonlinear structural analysis by the use of global displacement functions is presented. The computer programs include options to define the global functions as input or let the program automatically select and update these functions. The program was applied to a number of structures: (1) 'pear-shaped cylinder' in compression, (2) bending of a long cylinder, (3) spherical shell subjected to point force, (4) panel with initial imperfections, (5) cylinder with cutouts. The sample cases indicate the usefulness of the procedure in the solution of nonlinear structural shell problems by the finite element method. It is concluded that the use of global functions for extrapolation will lead to savings in computer time.

Almroth, B. O.↗

Optical detection of pulsed surface particle displacements

The detection of acoustic surface wave pulses by a wideband differential interferometric laser technique which is insensitive to low frequency noise is described. System bandwidth is determined by the relationship between acoustic wavelength and the variable spacing between two laser probe beams focused on the solid surface which supports the waves. Theoretical sensitivity to surface displacement amplitude is equal to, or better than, that of other electrooptical techniques. Response to an ideal step function displacement is analyzed and experimental measurements of gated 2.5 MHz pulses generated on an aluminized pyrex plate are discussed. Potential application in the characterization of acoustic emission in composites is described.

Zerwekh, P. S.↗

Optical detection of pulsed surface particle displacements

The detection of acoustic surface wave pulses by a wideband differential interferometric laser technique which is insensitive to low frequency noise is described. System bandwidth is determined by the relationship between acoustic wavelength and the variable spacing between two laser probe beams focused on the solid surface which supports the waves. Response to an ideal step function displacement is analyzed and experimental measurements of gated 2.5 MHz pulses generated on an aluminized pyrex plate are discussed.

Zewekh, P. S.↗

On dynamics of laminated anisotropic plates using a refined mixed plate element

An analysis of the free vibration and transient response of laminates using a mixed shear flexible element is presented. The element is based on a refined theory that accounts for a parabolic distribution of the transverse shear stresses through each lamina and requires no shear correction coefficients. The mixed formulation of the theory treats the five displacement functions and six stress resultants independently so that they are nodal degrees of freedom in the finite element model. Sample problems using the element are analyzed and the results of free vibration and transient response are presented. Compared to the existing shear deformation plate theory the present refined theory gives more accurate results for frequencies, displacements and stresses.

Putcha, N. S.↗

Vibrations of twisted rotating blades

The literature dealing with vibrations of turbomachinery blades is voluminous, but the vast majority of it treats the blades as beams. In a previous paper a two-dimensional analytical procedure was developed and demonstrated on simple models of blades having camber. The procedure utilizes shallow shell theory along with the classical Ritz method for solving the vibration problem. Displacement functions are taken as algebraic polynomials. In the present paper the method is demonstrated on blade models having camber. Comparisons are first made with results in the literature for nonrotating twisted plates and various disagreements between results are pointed out. A method for depicting mode shape information is demonstrated, permitting one to examine all three components of displacement. Finally, the analytical procedure is demonstrated on rotating twisted blade modes, both without and with camber.

Leissa, A. W.↗

Instability analysis of torispherical pressure vessel heads with triangular thin-shell finite elements

The elastic instability of an internally-pressurized cylindrical tank with a torispherical head is investigated using a triangular, doubly curved, thin-shell finite element. The formulation of the finite element, which is based upon cubic displacement functions and a modified principle of potential energy, is first described. Then, the element is verified by comparing numerical results for the linear, stable analysis to alternative solutions for the same problem. The subsequent instability investigation includes the solution of the linearized problem of equilibrium bifurcation, that is, of the classical eigenvalue problem, and a general nonlinear analysis, based on tracing the nonlinear load-displacement path. The critical pressure, obtained with use of the general nonlinear analysis, agrees closely with an experimental result as well as with a numerical solution stemming from an axisymmetric formulation.

Kanodia, V. L.↗

Terahertz-field activation of polar skyrons

Unraveling collective modes arising from coupled degrees of freedom is crucial for understanding complex interactions in solids and developing new functionalities. Unique collective behaviors emerge when two degrees of freedom, ordered on distinct length scales, interact. Polar skyrmions, three-dimensional electric polarization textures in ferroelectric superlattices, disrupt the lattice continuity at the nanometer scale with nontrivial topology, leading to previously unexplored collective modes. Here, using terahertz-field excitation and femtosecond x-ray diffraction, we discover subterahertz collective modes, dubbed “skyrons”, which appear as swirling patterns of atomic displacements functioning as atomic-scale gearsets. The key to activating skyrons is the use of the THz field that couples primarily to skyrmion domain walls. Momentum-resolved time-domain measurements of diffuse scattering reveal an avoided crossing in the dispersion relation of skyrons. Atomistic simulations and dynamical phase-field modeling provide microscopic insights into the three-dimensional crystallographic and polarization dynamics. The amplitude and dispersion of skyrons are demonstrated to be controlled by sample temperature and electric-field bias. The discovery of skyrons and their coupling with terahertz fields opens avenues for ultrafast control of topological polar structures.

ferroelectrics↗

Wave-front singularities for two-dimensional anisotropic elastic waves.

Wavefront singularities for the displacement functions, associated with the radiation of linear elastic waves from a point source embedded in a finitely strained two-dimensional elastic solid, are examined in detail. It is found that generally the singularities are of order d to the -1/2 power, where d measures distance away from the front. However, in certain exceptional cases singularities of order d to the -n power, where n = 1/4, 2/3, 3/4, may be encountered.

Payton, R. G.↗

Experiences in using modal synthesis within project requirements

Modal synthesis methods were developed for use by engineers for cost-effective solutions of large structural dynamics problems. Different methods were proposed by various investigators based upon comparative solutions of relatively simple structures using different forms of displacement functions. The application of modal synthesis methods to a large complex structure in a project environment is described. The considerations include analysis, hardware interfaces, schedules, tests, resources, and other project requirements. Good technical results were obtained through the use of an integrated analysis/test modal synthesis on both substructures and systems.

Garba, J. A.↗

Dynamic analysis and test results of the Viking Orbiter

The Viking Orbiter (VO) was launched in August 1975 on a new Titan/Centaur launch vehicle. Weight limitations of the VO and the use of a new launch vehicle made it necessary to conduct a load analysis which was verified by a test. The load analysis required a good mathematical dynamic model. Attention is given to aspects of mathematical formulation, subsystem characteristics, the body displacement functions, the propulsion subsystem, details regarding the dynamic model, the static test, and the sine vibration test.

Wada, B. K.↗

Required developments in structural dynamics

The finite element method, modal component synthesis, and the use of fast Fourier transformation were key developments in structural dynamics in the past 15 to 20 years. Current areas requiring additional effort include: (1) the correct calculation of modal shape and natural frequencies for complex structures; (2) the correlation of math models with test data; (3) the establishment of a criteria for "goodness" of the correlation between analysis and test; (4) the selection of the correct displacement functions when using computer programs for modal synthesis; (5) accuracy of response calculations; and (6) the inverse problem of determining the force problem from the response data. Trends identified include the use of distributed computing, greater reliance on analysis, and the possible use of artificial intelligence techniques, or some way of feeding back information, to provide solution guidance to engineers.

Wada, B. K.↗

A refined finite element for vibration analysis of twisted blades based on beam theory

A finite element method of discretizing beam segments of pretwisted rotating blades is presented. Employing the matrix displacement method, stiffness and mass properties are developed from basic mechanics of a pretwisted beam theory. By introducing the proper displacement functions, the effect of rotor blade rotational motion on the stiffness matrix is obtained systematically from the kinetic energy expression. Comparing with other beam elements the derivation of this element is more fundamental. This allows one to apply the same approach to more complicated problems including nonlinear effects or complex dynamic motions. Illustrative examples are given comparing numerical results with available data and other numerical solutions from rotating and nonrotating force fields. These examples show that accurate prediction of vibration frequencies for pretwisted blades can be obtained by employing a quite modest number of degrees of freedom.

Sisto, F.↗

Equivalent plate analysis of aircraft wing box structures with general planform geometry

A new equilvalent plate analysis formulation is described which is capable of modeling aircraft wing structures with a general planform such as cranked wing boxes. Multiple trapezoidal segments are used to represent such planforms. A Ritz solution technique is used in conjunction with global displacement functions which encompass all the segments. This Ritz solution procedure is implemented efficiently into a computer program so that it can be used by rigorous optimization algorithms for application in early preliminary design. A direct method to interface this structural analysis procedure with aerodynamic programs for use in aeroelastic calculations is described. This equivalent plate analysis procedure is used to calculate the static deflections and stresses and vibration frequencies and modes of an example wing configuration. The numerical results are compared with results from a finite element model of the same configuration to illustrate typical levels of accuracy and computation times resulting from use of this procedure.

Giles, G. L.↗