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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 379 records · Page 21
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1973

Analysis for stresses and buckling of heated composite stiffened panels and other structures, phase 3

Analytical methods based on linear theory are presented for predicting the thermal stresses in and the buckling of heated structures with arbitrary uniform cross section. The structure is idealized as an assemblage of laminated plate-strip elements, curved and planar, and beam elements. Uniaxially stiffened plates and shells of arbitrary cross section are typical examples. For the buckling analysis the structure or selected elements may be subjected to mechanical loads, in additional to thermal loads, in any desired combination of inplane transverse load and axial compression load. The analysis is also applicable to stiffened structures under inplane loads varying through the cross section, as in stiffened shells under bending. The buckling analysis is general and covers all modes of instability. The analysis has been applied to a limited number of problems and the results are presented. These while showing the validity and the applicability of the method do not reflect its full capability.

Viswanathan, A. V.↗
NASA NTRS2016

Meta-shell Approach for Constructing Lightweight and High Resolution X-Ray Optics

Lightweight and high resolution optics are needed for future space-based x-ray telescopes to achieve advances in high-energy astrophysics. Past missions such as Chandra and XMM-Newton have achieved excellent angular resolution using a full shell mirror approach. Other missions such as Suzaku and NuSTAR have achieved lightweight mirrors using a segmented approach. This paper describes a new approach, called meta-shells, which combines the fabrication advantages of segmented optics with the alignment advantages of full shell optics. Meta-shells are built by layering overlapping mirror segments onto a central structural shell. The resulting optic has the stiffness and rotational symmetry of a full shell, but with an order of magnitude greater collecting area. Several meta-shells so constructed can be integrated into a large x-ray mirror assembly by proven methods used for Chandra and XMM-Newton. The mirror segments are mounted to the meta-shell using a novel four point semi-kinematic mount. The four point mount deterministically locates the segment in its most performance sensitive degrees of freedom. Extensive analysis has been performed to demonstrate the feasibility of the four point mount and meta-shell approach. A mathematical model of a meta-shell constructed with mirror segments bonded at four points and subject to launch loads has been developed to determine the optimal design parameters, namely bond size, mirror segment span, and number of layers per meta-shell. The parameters of an example 1.3 m diameter mirror assembly are given including the predicted effective area. To verify the mathematical model and support opto-mechanical analysis, a detailed finite element model of a meta-shell was created. Finite element analysis predicts low gravity distortion and low thermal distortion. Recent results are discussed including Structural Thermal Optical Performance (STOP) analysis as well as vibration and shock testing of prototype meta-shells.

Lightweight and high resolution optics↗
NASA NTRS1975

Evolution of the moon between 4.6 and 3.3 AE

A model of lunar evolution is proposed. At 4.6 AE an outer shell 60-100 km thick of an initially homogeneous moon was totally molten following accretion. 'Highland basalt' represents remnants of the chilled crust of this molten layer and, therefore, the mean lunar composition. Melt from the partially molten region below the outer shell intruded into it, enriching it in FeO, SiO2, radiogenic, and trivalent trace LIL (large ion lithop) elements. Fractional crystallization of the outer shell produced toward its base a mafic cumulate zone less than 40 km thick, the upper 60 km being anorthosite. The radiogenic elements concentrated together with dense residual melt in the upper parts pf the mafic cumulate zone. Between 4.6 and 4.3 AE a second differentiation led to localized enrichment from below of radiogenic elements in the plagioclase-rich, high-Mg/Mg + Fe residuum below the outer 100-km-thick shell. Melting at these enriched sites at about 4.0 AE produced to KREEP basalts. Later melting at sites of radiogenic element enrichment in the outer 100-km-thick shell produced the mare basalts.

Hollister, L. S.↗
NASA NTRS2000

An Energy Decaying Scheme for Nonlinear Dynamics of Shells

A novel integration scheme for nonlinear dynamics of geometrically exact shells is developed based on the inextensible director assumption. The new algorithm is designed so as to imply the strict decay of the system total mechanical energy at each time step, and consequently unconditional stability is achieved in the nonlinear regime. Furthermore, the scheme features tunable high frequency numerical damping and it is therefore stiffly accurate. The method is tested for a finite element spatial formulation of shells based on mixed interpolations of strain tensorial components and on a two-parameter representation of director rotations. The robustness of the, scheme is illustrated with the help of numerical examples.

Bottasso, Carlo L.↗
NASA NTRS2016

Design and Analysis of an X-Ray Mirror Assembly Using the Meta-Shell Approach

Lightweight and high resolution optics are needed for future space-based x-ray telescopes to achieve advances in high-energy astrophysics. Past missions such as Chandra and XMM-Newton have achieved excellent angular resolution using a full shell mirror approach. Other missions such as Suzaku and NuSTAR have achieved lightweight mirrors using a segmented approach. This paper describes a new approach, called meta-shells, which combines the fabrication advantages of segmented optics with the alignment advantages of full shell optics. Meta-shells are built by layering overlapping mirror segments onto a central structural shell. The resulting optic has the stiffness and rotational symmetry of a full shell, but with an order of magnitude greater collecting area. Several meta-shells so constructed can be integrated into a large x-ray mirror assembly by proven methods used for Chandra and XMM-Newton. The mirror segments are mounted to the meta-shell using a novel four point semi-kinematic mount. The four point mount deterministically locates the segment in its most performance sensitive degrees of freedom. Extensive analysis has been performed to demonstrate the feasibility of the four point mount and meta-shell approach. A mathematical model of a meta-shell constructed with mirror segments bonded at four points and subject to launch loads has been developed to determine the optimal design parameters, namely bond size, mirror segment span, and number of layers per meta-shell. The parameters of an example 1.3 m diameter mirror assembly are given including the predicted effective area. To verify the mathematical model and support opto-mechanical analysis, a detailed finite element model of a meta-shell was created. Finite element analysis predicts low gravity distortion and low sensitivity to thermal gradients.

module↗
NASA NTRS1999

Rotationally Adaptive Flight Test Surface

Research on a new design of flutter exciter vane using adaptive materials was conducted. This novel design is based on all-moving aerodynamic surface technology and consists of a structurally stiff main spar, a series of piezoelectric actuator elements and an aerodynamic shell which is pivoted around the main spar. The work was built upon the current missile-type all-moving surface designs and change them so they are better suited for flutter excitation through the transonic flight regime. The first portion of research will be centered on aerodynamic and structural modeling of the system. USAF DatCom and vortex lattice codes was used to capture the fundamental aerodynamics of the vane. Finite element codes and laminated plate theory and virtual work analyses will be used to structurally model the aerodynamic vane and wing tip. Following the basic modeling, a flutter test vane was designed. Each component within the structure was designed to meet the design loads. After the design loads are met, then the deflections will be maximized and the internal structure will be laid out. In addition to the structure, a basic electrical control network will be designed which will be capable of driving a scaled exciter vane. The third and final stage of main investigation involved the fabrication of a 1/4 scale vane. This scaled vane was used to verify kinematics and structural mechanics theories on all-moving actuation. Following assembly, a series of bench tests was conducted to determine frequency response, electrical characteristics, mechanical and kinematic properties. Test results indicate peak-to-peak deflections of 1.1 deg with a corner frequency of just over 130 Hz.

Barrett, Ron↗
NASA NTRS1988

Hierarchic plate and shell models based on p-extension

This paper is concerned with formulations of finite element models for beams, arches, plates and shells based on the principle of virtual work. The focus is on computer implementation of hierarchic sequences of finite element models suitable for numerical solution of a large variety of practical problems which may concurrently contain thin and thick plates and shells, stiffeners, and regions where three dimensional representation is required. The approximate solutions corresponding to the hierarchic sequence of models converge to the exact solution of the fully three dimensional model. The stopping criterion is based on (1) estimation of the relative error in energy norm; (2) equilibrium tests; and (3) observation of the convergence of quantities of interest.

Szabo, Barna A.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Vibrations of twisted cantilever plates - A comparison of theoretical results

As a result of significant differences in the published results for various methods of analysis involving the use of finite element techniques, there are now some questions regarding the adequacy of these methods to predict accurately the vibratory characteristics of highly twisted cantilever plates. In an attempt to help in a resolution of the arising problems, a joint government/industry/university research effort was initiated. The primary objective of the present paper is to summarize the theoretical methods used in the study and show samples of the obtained results. The study provided 19 sets of theoretical results which are derived from beam theory, shell theory, and finite element methods.

Kielb, R. E.↗
NASA NTRS1975

The computer in shell stability analysis

Some examples in which the high-speed computer has been used to improve the static stability analysis capability for general shells are examined. The fundamental concepts of static stability are reviewed with emphasis on the differences between linear bifurcation buckling and nonlinear collapse. The analysis is limited to the stability of conservative systems. Three examples are considered. The problem of cylinders subjected to bending loads is used as an example to illustrate that a simple structure can have a sufficiently complicated nonlinear behavior to require a computer analysis for accurate results. An analysis of the problems involved in the modeling of stiffening elements in plate and shell structures illustrates the necessity that the analyst recognizes all important deformation modes. The stability analysis of the Skylab structure indicates the size of problems that can be solved with current state-of-the-art capability.

Almroth, B. O.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Hierarchic plate and shell models based on p-extension

Formulation of hierarchic sequences of finite element models for beams, arches, plates and shells based on the principle of virtual work is described. The exact solutions corresponding to models in the hierarchic sequence converge to the exact solution of the fully three-dimensional problem of linear elasticity. The stopping criterion is that the functionals of interest must be substantially independent of the choice of the model. This process is closely related to p-extensions. Aspects of implementation are discussed in connection with axisymmetric shells and an example is presented. An application of superconvergent extraction methods for the computation of stress resultants is demonstrated.

Szabo, B. A.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Effect of environmental parameters on habitat structural weight and cost

Space-settlement conceptual designs have previously been accomplished using "Earth-normal" physiological conditions. The purpose of this paper is to quantify the habitat weight and cost penalties associated with this conservative design approach. These penalties are identified by comparison of conservative Earth-normal designs with habitats designed to less than Earth-normal conditions. Physiological research areas are also recommended as a necessary prerequisite to realizing these potential weight and cost savings. Major habitat structural elements, that is, pressure shell and radiation shielding, for populations of 10 2 , 10 4 , and 10 6 , are evaluated for effects of atmospheric pressure, pseudo-gravity level, radiation shielding thickness, and habitat configuration. Results show that broader habitable g-ranges, reduced atmospheric pressure, and detached radiation shielding all have a significant effect in reducing habitat costs. Also, a minimum cost per person is discovered for a habitat with a population of about 10 5 , and this cost is independent of habitat configuration.

Edward Bock↗
NASA NTRS1984

Track damage and erosion of insulators by ion-induced electronic processes

Track damage and the associated ejection of atoms and molecules from insulators, which occur as a result of ion-induced electronic excitation, are of interest both in their own right and because of the mechanisms through which the energy in the excited electrons is transformed into atomic motion. In this paper an overview is given of the phenomena that are observed. We show that there is a remarkable similarity between the damage profile along the ion's track in the solid and the yield of ejected atoms at the energy that corresponds to each point on the track. It is also seen that the density of extended defects (or, correspondingly, the ejected particle yield) appears to have a 'universal' form that is weakly dependent on the type of material. In the model presented this is a consequence of the inner-shell ionization of light elements in the solid by the incident ion; the resulting Auger decay produces an intense ionization spike that locally triggers the track formation/erosion process. This model allows the estimation of erosion yields/damage profiles for different ions and materials.

Tombrello, T. A.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Advances in contact algorithms and their application to tires

Currently used techniques for tire contact analysis are reviewed. Discussion focuses on the different techniques used in modeling frictional forces and the treatment of contact conditions. A status report is presented on a new computational strategy for the modeling and analysis of tires, including the solution of the contact problem. The key elements of the proposed strategy are: (1) use of semianalytic mixed finite elements in which the shell variables are represented by Fourier series in the circumferential direction and piecewise polynomials in the meridional direction; (2) use of perturbed Lagrangian formulation for the determination of the contact area and pressure; and (3) application of multilevel iterative procedures and reduction techniques to generate the response of the tire. Numerical results are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of a proposed procedure for generating the tire response associated with different Fourier harmonics.

Noor, Ahmed K.↗
NASA NTRS1989

EAC: A program for the error analysis of STAGS results for plates

A computer code is now available for estimating the error in results from the STAGS finite element code for a shell unit consisting of a rectangular orthotropic plate. This memorandum contains basic information about the computer code EAC (Error Analysis and Correction) and describes the connection between the input data for the STAGS shell units and the input data necessary to run the error analysis code. The STAGS code returns a set of nodal displacements and a discrete set of stress resultants; the EAC code returns a continuous solution for displacements and stress resultants. The continuous solution is defined by a set of generalized coordinates computed in EAC. The theory and the assumptions that determine the continuous solution are also outlined in this memorandum. An example of application of the code is presented and instructions on its usage on the Cyber and the VAX machines have been provided.

Sistla, Rajaram↗
NASA NTRS1990

Free vibrations of thin-walled semicircular graphite-epoxy composite frames

A detailed study is made of the effects of variations in lamination and material parameters of thin walled composite frames on their vibrational characteristics. The structures considered are semicircular thin walled frames with I and J sections. The flanges and webs of the frames are modeled by using 2-D shell and plate finite elements. A mixed formulation is used with the fundamental unknowns consisting of both the generalized displacements and stress resultants in the frame. The frequencies and modes predicted by the 2-D finite element model are compared with those obtained from experiments, as well as with the predictions of a non-dimensional thin walled beam finite element model. A detailed study is made of the sensitivity of the vibrational response to variations in the fiber orientation, material properties of the individual layers, and boundary conditions.

Carden, Huey D.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Free vibrations of thin-walled semicircular graphite-epoxy composite frames

A detailed study is made of the effects of variations in lamination and material parameters of thin walled composite frames on their vibrational characteristics. The structures considered are semicircular thin walled frames with I and J sections. The flanges and webs of the frames are modelled by using 2-D shell and plate finite elements. A mixed formulation is used with the fundamental unknowns consisting of both the generalized displacements and stress resultants in the frames. The frequencies and modes predicted by the 2-D finite element model are compared with those obtained from experiments, as well as with the predictions of a 1-D thin walled beam finite element model. A detailed study is made of the sensitivity of the vibrational response to variations in the fiber orientation, material properties of the individual layers, and boundary conditions.

Noor, Ahmed K.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Free vibrations of thin-walled semicircular graphite-epoxy composite frames

A detailed study is made of the effects of variations in lamination and material parameters of thin walled composite frames on their vibrational characteristics. The structures considered are semicircular thin walled frames with I and J sections. The flanges and webs of the frames are modeled by using 2-D shell and plate finite elements. A mixed formulation is used with the fundamental unknowns consisting of both the generalized displacements and stress resultants in the frame. The frequencies and modes predicted by the 2-D finite element model are compared with those obtained from experiments, as well as with the predictions of a non-dimensional thin walled beam finite element model. A detailed study is made of the sensitivity of the vibrational response to variations in the fiber orientation, material properties of the individual layers, and boundary conditions.

Carden, Huey D.↗