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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 361 records · Page 20

Tenth NASTRAN User's Colloquium

The development of the NASTRAN computer program, a general purpose finite element computer code for structural analysis, was discussed. The application and development of NASTRAN is presented in the following topics: improvements and enhancements; developments of pre and postprocessors; interactive review system; the use of harmonic expansions in magnetic field problems; improving a dynamic model with test data using Linwood; solution of axisymmetric fluid structure interaction problems; large displacements and stability analysis of nonlinear propeller structures; prediction of bead area contact load at the tire wheel interface; elastic plastic analysis of an overloaded breech ring; finite element solution of torsion and other 2-D Poisson equations; new capability for elastic aircraft airloads; usage of substructuring analysis in the get away special program; solving symmetric structures with nonsymmetric loads; evaluation and reduction of errors induced by Guyan transformation.

Source record↗

Thermomechanical characterization of Hastelloy-X under uniaxial cyclic loading

In most high-temperature engineering applications, components are subjected to complex combinations of thermal and mechanical loading during service. A number of viscoplastic constitutive models were proposed which potentially can provide mathematical descriptions of material response under such conditions. Implementation of these models into large finite element codes such as MARC has already resulted in much improved inelastic analysis capability for hot-section aircraft engine components. However, a number of questions remain regarding the validity of methods adopted in characterizing these constitutive models for particular high-temperature materials. One area of concern is that the majority of experimental data available for this purpose are determined under isothermal conditions. This is in contrast to service conditions which, as noted above, almost always involve some form of thermal cycling. The obvious question arises as to whether a constitutive model characterized using an isothermal data base can adequately predict material response under thermomechanical conditions. An experimental program was initiated within the HOST program to address this particular concern. The results of the most recent isothermal and thermomechanical experiments are described.

Ellis, J. R.↗

Constitutive modeling for isotropic materials (HOST)

This report presents the results of the second year of work on a problem which is part of the NASA HOST Program. Its goals are: (1) to develop and validate unified constitutive models for isotropic materials, and (2) to demonstrate their usefulness for structural analyses of hot section components of gas turbine engines. The unified models selected for development and evaluation are that of Bodner-Partom and Walker. For model evaluation purposes, a large constitutive data base is generated for a B1900 + Hf alloy by performing uniaxial tensile, creep, cyclic, stress relation, and thermomechanical fatigue (TMF) tests as well as biaxial (tension/torsion) tests under proportional and nonproportional loading over a wide range of strain rates and temperatures. Systematic approaches for evaluating material constants from a small subset of the data base are developed. Correlations of the uniaxial and biaxial tests data with the theories of Bodner-Partom and Walker are performed to establish the accuracy, range of applicability, and integability of the models. Both models are implemented in the MARC finite element computer code and used for TMF analyses. Benchmark notch round experiments are conducted and the results compared with finite-element analyses using the MARC code and the Walker model.

Lindholm, U. S.↗

Airframe life prediction

The required research to develop improved life prediction methods for metallic and composite structures under severe thermomechanical loading must include the development of a verified thermoinelastic fracture criterion. There has been much work in this area with many fracture criteria being proposed. Due to the lack of adequate experimental verification none of them are widely accepted. Research must also be performed to develop and implement improved thermoinelasticity theories that properly model large temperature excursions and high temperature gradient. This research is required to provide confidence in the simpler theories currently used for thermoinelastic analysis. Finally, experimental data is needed to define the behavior of and damage accumulation process in thermoinelastic materials. Special emphasis must be placed on understanding failure mode transitions under thermomechanical loading conditions.

Sendeckyj, G. P.↗

Integrated Transmission-Distribution Multi-Period Switching for Wildfire Risk Mitigation: Improving Speed and Scalability with Distributed Optimization: Preprint

With increasingly severe wildfire conditions driven by climate change, utilities must manage the risk of wildfire ignitions from electric power lines. During "public safety power shutoff'" events, utilities de-energize power lines to reduce wildfire ignition risk, which may result in load shedding. Distributed energy resources provide flexibility that can help support the system to reduce load shedding when lines are de-energized. We investigate a coordinated transmission-distribution optimization problem that balances wildfire risk mitigation and load shedding. We model distribution systems that include battery energy storage systems which may support loads when transmission lines are de-energized. This multi-period integrated transmission-distribution optimal switching problem jointly optimizes line switching decisions, the generators' setpoints, load shedding, and the batteries' states of charge, resulting in significant computational challenges. To improve scalability, we decompose the problem over both space and time and apply a distributed optimization algorithm. Using a large-scale synthetic California test case with realistic distribution models and real wildfire risk data, we show that distributed optimization can solve large-scale multi-period switching problems that are otherwise intractable for centralized solvers. We also discuss challenges and future directions for improving the distributed algorithm's convergence performance as the number of time periods increases.

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Planetary fast neutral emission and effects on solar wind - A cometary exosphere analog

Ion-neutral charge exchange reactions occurring in planetary magnetospheres produce a copious supply of fast neutrals in the form of high-speed magnetospheric neutral winds. Theoretical models of such processes and their subsequent effects on the solar wind are investigated. Source strengths for emission from earth's ring current (10 to the 25th - 10 to the 26th/s), Jupiter's Io plasma torus (1-2 x 10 to the 28th/s), and both the Dione-Tethys torus and the Titan hydrogen torus (10 to the 26th - 10 to the 27th/s) of Saturn are evaluated. The effects of an extensive atomic nitrogen cloud surrounding the orbit of Titan are also considered in connection with the Saturnian aurora. Reionization and pickup of sulfur atoms in the circumplanetary region of Jupiter lead to a small mass-loading effect on the solar wind velocity (less than 10 percent); however, the heat input is substantial, resulting in a large increase in the effective ion temperature (not less than 100 percent). The pickup ion model is also applied tot the generation of electromagnetic ion cyclotron waves in the local neighborhood of the central body. The model suggests the preferential excitation of left-hand-polarized waves in regions where the solar wind-magnetic field angle is large (outer sheath) and right-hand waves in regions where the angle is small (near-tail).

Barbosa, D. D.↗

Glacier Ice Mass Fluctuations and Fault Instability in Tectonically Active Southern Alaska

Across southern Alaska the northwest directed subduction of the Pacific plate is accompanied by accretion of the Yakutat terrane to continental Alaska. This has led to high tectonic strain rates and dramatic topographic relief of more than 5000 meters within 15 km of the Gulf of Alaska coast. The glaciers of this area are extensive and include large glaciers undergoing wastage (glacier retreat and thinning) and surges. The large glacier ice mass changes perturb the tectonic rate of deformation at a variety of temporal and spatial scales. We estimated surface displacements and stresses associated with ice mass fluctuations and tectonic loading by examining GPS geodetic observations and numerical model predictions. Although the glacial fluctuations perturb the tectonic stress field, especially at shallow depths, the largest contribution to ongoing crustal deformation is horizontal tectonic strain due to plate convergence. Tectonic forces are thus the primary force responsible for major earthquakes. However, for geodetic sites located < 10-20 km from major ice mass fluctuations, the changes of the solid Earth due to ice loading and unloading are an important aspect of interpreting geodetic results. The ice changes associated with Bering Glacier s most recent surge cycle are large enough to cause discernible surface displacements. Additionally, ice mass fluctuations associated with the surge cycle can modify the short-term seismicity rates in a local region. For the thrust faulting environment of the study region a large decrease in ice load may cause an increase in seismic rate in a region close to failure whereas ice loading may inhibit thrust faulting.

SauberRosenberg, Jeanne M.↗

Geometry-aware framework for deep energy method: An application to structural mechanics with hyperelastic materials

Here, in this work, we introduce a novel physics-informed framework named the Geometry-Aware Deep Energy Method (GADEM) for solving structural mechanics problems on different geometries. As the weak form of the physical system equation (or the energy-based approach) has demonstrated clear advantages compared to the strong form for solving solid mechanics problems, GADEM employs the weak form and aims to infer the solution on multiple shapes of geometries. Integrating a geometry-aware framework into an energy-based method results in an effective physics-informed deep learning model in terms of accuracy and computational cost. Different ways to represent the geometric information and to encode the geometric latent vectors are investigated in this work. We introduce a loss function of GADEM which is minimized based on the potential energy of all considered geometries. An adaptive learning method is also employed for the sampling of collocation points to enhance the performance of GADEM. We present some applications of GADEM to solve solid mechanics problems, including a loading simulation of a toy tire involving contact mechanics and large deformation hyperelasticity. The numerical results of this work demonstrate the remarkable capability of GADEM to infer the solution on various and new shapes of geometries using only one trained model.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Electromagnetic Analysis of ITER Electron Cyclotron Emission Components and Support Structures for the Preliminary Design Review

The ITER electron cyclotron emission (ECE) diagnostic system is located at Design Shield Module (DSM) 2, Equatorial Port (EP) 9 to measure electron temperature profile and electron temperature fluctuations and also to assess nonthermal electron distributions via the oblique view. Therefore, ECE has both radial and oblique views with two couples of mirrors for two different optical views. This ECE diagnostic system shall be exposed to significant power due to unabsorbed electron cyclotron heating power in the plasma. It shall also receive large electromagnetic (EM) loads up to 100 MN/m 3 force density due to the eddy currents generated by the short 16-ms transient plasma disruption. The global EM models of EP12 and EP11 with the worst case of plasma disruption Major Disruption Downward Exponential 16 ms Category III (MD_DW_EXP16MS_CATIII) have been provided by ITER. However, the support structure for these critical components, including four mirrors, is still under the design and development phase, especially during the period of preliminary design reviews (PDRs). For those small in-vessel components that are not modeled explicitly for the PDRs, we can extract the magnetic field (B) data and flux variations (dB/dt) at those locations from the global model and then use the B and dB/dt method to calculate the eddy currents, EM forces, and torques on those components in the local submodels. In conclusion, this paper will present the detailed PDR EM analysis results of the ECE components and support structures.

Electromagnetic↗

Thermal-structural analysis of large space structures - An assessment of recent advances

Recent advances in modeling, analyzing, and understanding the thermal-structural responses of large space structures are reviewed, and uncertainties in the thermal-structural analysis are identified. Typical heat-load, thermal, and structural analyses requirements for large space structures are discussed using a design for a future large spacecraft as an example. The current status of heating, thermal, and structural analyses is then reviewed, and computer programs used in research and design are discussed. The need to develop efficient methods for integrating the interdisciplinary analyses is emphasized.

Thornton, E. A.↗

Patterns of seismic activity preceding large earthquakes

A mechanical model of seismic faults is employed to investigate the seismic activities that occur prior to major events. The block-and-spring model dynamically generates a statistical distribution of smaller slipping events that precede large events, and the results satisfy the Gutenberg-Richter law. The scaling behavior during a loading cycle suggests small but systematic variations in space and time with maximum activity acceleration near the future epicenter. Activity patterns inferred from data on seismicity in California demonstrate a regional aspect; increased activity in certain areas are found to precede major earthquake events. One example is given regarding the Loma Prieta earthquake of 1989 which is located near a fault section associated with increased activity levels.

Shaw, Bruce E.↗

Subsonic Ultra Green Aircraft Research: Truss Braced Wing Design Exploration - Phase II - Volume I

This report summarizes the Truss Braced Wing (TBW) work accomplished by the Boeing Subsonic Ultra Green Aircraft Research (SUGAR) team, consisting of Boeing Research and Technology, Boeing Commercial Airplanes, General Electric, Georgia Tech, Virginia Tech, NextGen Aeronautics, and Microcraft. A multi-disciplinary optimization (MDO) environment defined the geometry that was further refined for the updated SUGAR High TBW configuration. Airfoil shapes were tested in the NASA TCT facility, and an aeroelastic model was tested in the NASA TDT facility. Flutter suppression was successfully demonstrated using control laws derived from test system ID data and analysis models. Aeroelastic impacts for the TBW design are manageable and smaller than assumed in Phase I. Flutter analysis of TBW designs need to include pre-load and large displacement non-linear effects to obtain a reasonable match to test data. With the updated performance and sizing, fuel burn and energy use is reduced by 54% compared to the SUGAR Free current technology Baseline (Goal 60%). Use of the unducted fan version of the engine reduces fuel burn and energy by 56% compared to the Baseline. Technology development roadmaps were updated, and an airport compatibility analysis established feasibility of a folding wing aircraft at existing airports.

Bradley, Marty K.↗

A Continuum Damage Mechanics Model to Predict Kink-Band Propagation Using Deformation Gradient Tensor Decomposition

A new model is proposed that represents the kinematics of kink-band formation and propagation within the framework of a mesoscale continuum damage mechanics (CDM) model. The model uses the recently proposed deformation gradient decomposition approach to represent a kink band as a displacement jump via a cohesive interface that is embedded in an elastic bulk material. The model is capable of representing the combination of matrix failure in the frame of a misaligned fiber and instability due to shear nonlinearity. In contrast to conventional linear or bilinear strain softening laws used in most mesoscale CDM models for longitudinal compression, the constitutive response of the proposed model includes features predicted by detailed micromechanical models. These features include: 1) the rotational kinematics of the kink band, 2) an instability when the peak load is reached, and 3) a nonzero plateau stress under large strains.

Bergan, Andrew C.↗

High-Throughput Strategies that Encompass Experiments and Machine Learning to Predict the Mechanical Properties of Additive Manufactured Aerospace Alloys

Small Punch Test (SPT) uses a thin disk of material to predict mechanical properties. While SPT has existed for decades, it has been used largely as a qualitative evaluator of mechanical properties. Recent advances in computational modeling have enabled the extraction of uniaxial stress-strain response from the measured SPT load-displacement data. Due to small sample volumes and unidirectional testing, SPT is conducive to high-throughput automation and ideally suited to extract properties from high-cost materials. Aerospace alloys have been of recent interest to the Additive Manufacturing (AM) community due to AM’s unique ability to fabricate complex designs not possible, or extremely arduous, with conventional manufacturing. In this research, SPT, coupled with Materials Informatics and computational modeling, is used to develop relevant Process-Structure-Property relationships to decrease the cost and time of process optimization for AM aerospace alloys, namely Inconel 718, Inconel 625, and Niobium C103.

High-throughput Testing↗

Aeroservoelastic and Structural Dynamics Research on Smart Structures Conducted at NASA Langley Research Center

An overview of smart structures research currently underway at the NASA Langley Research Center in the areas of aeroservoelasticity and structural dynamics is presented. Analytical and experimental results, plans, potential technology pay-offs, and challenges are discussed. The goal of this research is to develop the enabling technologies to actively and passively control aircraft and rotorcraft vibration and loads using smart devices. These enabling technologies and related research efforts include developing experimentally-validated finite element and aeroservoelastic modeling techniques; conducting bench experimental tests to assess feasibility and understand system trade-offs; and conducting large-scale wind- tunnel tests to demonstrate system performance. The key aeroservoelastic applications of this research include: active twist control of rotor blades using interdigitated electrode piezoelectric composites and active control of flutter, and gust and buffeting responses using discrete piezoelectric patches. In addition, NASA Langley is an active participant in the DARPA/ Air Force Research Laboratory/ NASA/ Northrop Grumman Smart Wing program which is assessing aerodynamic performance benefits using smart materials. Keywords: aeroelasticity, smart structures, piezoelectric actuators, active fiber composites, rotorcraft, buffet load alleviation, individual blade control, aeroservoelasticity, shape memory alloys, damping augmentation, piezoelectric power consumption

McGowan, Anna-Maria Rivas↗

Analytical performance prediction for large antennas

A linear mathematical modeling of the static and dynamic characteristics of a deployable offset wrap rib antenna was attempted using small motions in an effort to simulate the surface distortion resulting from thermal loading and transient oscillations from control. Both cyclic symmetry and model synthesis were used for parametric analysis. Although the ribs can be modeled as slender beams varying cross sections and equivalent linear material properties, the mesh poses a problem since its equivalent stress strain relations are highly nonlinear and sensitive to the biaxial prestressed state. Consequently, the macroscopic material properties were measured experimentally in the neighborhood of the design prestress. An equivalent tangent modulus technique was then adopted about this equilibrium state and assumed to be valid within a small range of incremental stresses.

El-Raheb, M.↗

A global-local approach to solving vibration of large truss structures

A global-local approach was proposed to solve dynamic problems involving truss beams. A continuum Timoshenko beam was used to model sections of truss beams wherever possible and accurate. Near applied loads the continuum model was not adequate and detailed truss finite elements (discrete model) were employed. This approach was also proven efficient for an odd-shaped truss structure connected to a truss beam. Between the continuum model and the discrete model, compatibility conditions were derived.

Sun, C. T.↗

Data Centers and Digital Assurance Workshop 3 – Mitigations for Digital Assurance Risks

The third session of the TADA (Technical Assistance for Digital Assurance) Data Centers Cohort, held on November 18, 2025, focused on developing mitigation strategies for digital assurance risks identified in previous workshops. Hosted by Idaho National Laboratory (INL) and ScottMadden, the session emphasized the application of Cyber-Informed Engineering (CIE) to data center infrastructure, particularly at the utility–data center interface. Participants revisited and ranked key digital assurance risks, including architecture and interface weaknesses, governance gaps, and AI-enabled threats. The workshop introduced the 12 principles of CIE, advocating for consequence-focused design, engineered controls, and secure information architecture to proactively reduce cyber-physical vulnerabilities. These principles were applied to critical data center systems such as power distribution, UPS, cooling, SCADA/BMS, and grid-forming batteries. The session also addressed governance challenges at the interconnection boundary, highlighting the need for clear roles in telemetry sharing, firmware management, and trip settings. Special attention was given to emerging risks from behind-the-meter (BTM) generation, including reverse-power flow and the integration of small modular reactors (SMRs), which shift data centers from large loads to complex generation nodes. Participants explored how interconnection agreements can serve as enforceable instruments for digital assurance, and reviewed gaps in current standards such as NERC CIP, IEC 62443, and IEEE 1547. The workshop concluded with pathways to standardization, including model agreement language, state-level programs, and expanded NERC guidance. INL also presented tools and frameworks for secure procurement and supplier risk management, reinforcing the need for integrated engineering and policy solutions to secure the evolving data center–grid ecosystem. Session 3 of 3.

24 - POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗