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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 397 records · Page 22
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1976

Resizing procedure for structures under combined mechanical and thermal loading

The fully-stressed design (FSD) appears to be the most widely used approach for sizing of flight structures under strength and minimum-gage constraints. Almost all of the experience with FSD has been with structures primarily under mechanical loading as opposed to thermal loading. In this method the structural sizes are iterated with the step size, depending on the ratio of the total stress to the allowable stress. In this paper, the thermal fully-stressed design (TFSD) procedure developed for problems involving substantial thermal stress is extended to biaxial stress members using a Von Mises failure criterion. The TFSD resizing procedure for uniaxial stress is restated and the new procedure for biaxial stress members is developed. Results are presented for an application of the two procedures to size a simplified wing structure.

Adelman, H. M.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Recent experiences using finite-element-based structural optimization

Structural optimization has been available to the structural analysis community as a tool for many years. The popular use of displacement method finite-element techniques to analyze linearly elastic structures has resulted in an ability to calculate the weight and constraint gradients inexpensively for numerical optimization of structures. Here, recent experiences in the investigation and use of structural optimization are discussed. In particular, experience with the commercially available ADS/NASOPT code is addressed. An overview of the ADS/NASOPT procedure and how it was implemented is given. Two example problems are also discussed.

Paul, B. K.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Equatorial waves in the stratosphere of Uranus

Analyses of radio occultation data from Voyager 2 have led to the discovery and characterization of an equatorial wave in the Uranus stratosphere. The observed quasi-periodic vertical atmospheric density variations are in close agreement with theoretical predictions for a wave that propagates vertically through the observed background structure of the stratosphere. Quantitative comparisons between measurements obtained at immersion and at emersion yielded constraints on the meridional and zonal structure of the wave; the fact that the two sets of measurements are correlated suggests a wave of planetary scale. Two equatorial wave models are proposed for the wave.

Hinson, David P.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Telerobotic control of a mobile coordinated robotic server

Results from the Master's Degree Thesis of Mr. Robert Stanley, a graduate student supervised by the principal investigator on this project is reported. The goal of this effort is to develop advanced control methods for flexible space manipulator systems. As such, a fuzzy logic controller has been developed in which model structure as well as parameter constraints are not required for compensation. A general rule base is formulated using quantized linguistic terms; it is then augmented to a traditional integral control. The resulting hybrid fuzzy controller stabilizes the structure over a broad range of uncertainties, including unknown initial conditions. An off-line tuning approach using phase portraits gives further insight into the algorithm. The approach was applied to a three-degree-of-freedom manipulator system - the prototype of the coordinated flexible manipulator system currently being designed and built at North Carolina State University.

Lee, Gordon↗
NASA NTRS1982

The usage of substructuring analyses in the Get Away Special (GAS) program

The use of automatic multi-stage substructing analysis is demonstrated for a hypothetical case of a GAS container supported by structural channels with a simulated experimental package inside the container. The GAS program purpose is stated and potential candidate structures to support experimental packages are discussed. The GAS container model and the substructuring analysis capabilities of NASTRAN make it possible to study the experiments inside the container as well as the design constraints resulting from the support structures holding the containers. The use of substructuring in the GAS program could be an important factor in increasing the number of flight opportunities.

Ferragut, N. J.↗
NASA NTRS2005

Constrained spectral clustering under a local proximity structure assumption

This work focuses on incorporating pairwise constraints into a spectral clustering algorithm. A new constrained spectral clustering method is proposed, as well as an active constraint acquisition technique and a heuristic for parameter selection. We demonstrate that our constrained spectral clustering method, CSC, works well when the data exhibits what we term local proximity structure.

domain knowledge↗
NASA NTRS1988

Structural tailoring of high-speed turbine blades (SSME/STAEBL)

Space shuttle main engine (SSME) blades are subject to severe thermal, pressure, and forced vibration environments. Structural optimization provides an automated alternative to time consuming iterations. Any number of analyses, design variables, and constraints can be incorporated in a structural optimization computer code. This idea was applied to develop the code SSME/STAEBL, which is a stand alone code suitable for automated design of SSME turbopump blades. Additions and modifications of STAEBL included in SSME/STAEBL include the following: (1) thermal stress analysis, (2) gas dynamic (pressure) loads, (3) temperature-dependent material and thermal properties, (4) forced vibrations, (5) tip displacement constraints, (6) single crystal material analysis, (7) blade cross-section stacking offsets, and (8) direct time integration algorithm for transient dynamic response.

Rubinstein, Robert↗
NASA NTRS1990

Optimization of linear, controlled structures

An approach to the integrated design of linear controlled structures, which is being investigated as part of NASA's controlled structures interaction (CSI) methodology development program, is presented. The approach is integrated in the sense that the structure and its controller are simultaneously designed. The design methodology uses constrained nonlinear optimization procedures based on analytically obtained gradients of the structural responses. Design of the controller is based on the so-called Q-parameterization theory, which parameterizes all closed-loop input/output maps achievable with stabiizing linear controllers. Very general objective and constraint functions are possible, and structural shape can be included in the design variables. This method has been partially implemented and demonstrated; early findings are reported.

Hunziker, K. Scott↗
NASA NTRS2021

Empirical Constraints on Progressive Shock Metamorphism of Magnetite from the Siljan Impact Structure, Sweden

Little is known about the microstructural behavior of magnetite during hypervelocity impact events, even though it is a widespread accessory mineral and important magnetic carrier in terrestrial and extraterrestrial rocks. We report systematic electron backscatter diffraction crystallographic analysis of shock features in magnetite, from a transect across the 52-km diameter ~380 Ma Siljan impact structure in Sweden. Magnetite grains in granitoid samples contain brittle fracturing, crystal-plasticity, and lamellar twins. Deformation twins along {111} with shear direction of <112> are consistent with spinel-law twins. Inferred bulk shock pressures for investigated samples, as constrained by planar deformation features (PDFs) in quartz and shock twins in zircon, range from 0–20 GPa; onset of shock-induced twinning in magnetite is observed at >5 GPa. These results highlight the utility of magnetite to record shock deformation in rocks that experience shock pressures >5 GPa, which may be useful in quartz-poor samples. Despite significant hydrothermal alteration, and variable transformation of host magnetite to hematite, shock effects are preserved, demonstrating that magnetite is a reliable mineral for preserving shock deformation over geologic time.

magnetite↗
NASA NTRS2021

Application of Radon Transform to Multi-Angle Measurements Made by the Research Scanning Polarimeter: A New Approach to Cloud Tomography. Part I: Theory and Tests on Simulated Data.

The Research Scanning Polarimeter (RSP) is an airborne along-track scanner measuring the polarized and total reflectances in 9 spectral channels. The RSP was a prototype for the Aerosol Polarimetry Sensor (APS) launched on-board the NASA Glory satellite. Currently the retrieval algorithms developed for the RSP are being adopted for the measurements of the space-borne polarimeters on the upcoming NASA’s Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud Ocean Ecosystem (PACE)satellite mission. The RSP’s uniquely high angular resolution coupled with the high frequency of measurements allows for characterization of liquid water cloud droplet sizes using the polarized rainbow structure. It also provides geometric constraints on the cumulus cloud’s 2D cross section yielding the cloud’s geometric shape estimates. In this study we further build on the latter technique to develop a new tomographic approach to retrieval of cloud internal structure from remote sensing measurements. While tomography in the strict definition is a technique based on active measurements yielding a tomogram (directional optical thickness as a function of angle and offset of the view ray), we developed a “semi-tomographic” approach in which tomogram of the cloud is estimated from passive observations instead of being measured directly. This tomogram is then converted into 2D spatial distribution of the extinction coefficient using inverse Radon transform (filtered back projection) which is the standard tomographic procedure used e.g., in medical CT scans. This algorithm is computationally inexpensive compared to techniques relying on highly-multi-dimensional least-square fitting; it does not require iterative 3D RT simulations. The resulting extinction distribution is defined up to an unknown constant factor, so we discuss the ways to calibrate it using additional independent measurements. In the next step we use the profile of the droplet size distribution parameters from the cloud’s side (derived by fitting the polarized rainbows) to convert the 2D extinction distribution into that of the droplet number concentration. We illustrate and validate the proposed technique using 3D-RT-simulatedRSP observations of a LES-generated Cu cloud. Quantitative comparisons between the retrieved and the original optical and microphysical parameters are presented.

clouds↗
NASA NTRS2018

High-Contrast Polarimetry Observation of the T Tau Circumstellar Environment

We conducted high-contrast polarimetry observations of T Tau in the H-band, using the High Contrast Instrument for the Subaru Next Generation Adaptive Optics instrument mounted on the Subaru Telescope, revealing structures as near as 0farcs1 from the stars T Tau N and T Tau S. The whole T Tau system is found to be surrounded by nebula-like envelopes, and several outflow-related structures are detected in these envelopes. We analyzed the detailed polarization patterns of the circumstellar structures near each component of this triple young star system and determined constraints on the circumstellar disks and outflow structures. We suggest that the nearly face-on circumstellar disk of T Tau N is no larger than 0".8, or 117 au, in the northwest, based on the existence of a hole in this direction, and no larger than 0".27, or 40 au, in the south. A new structure, "N5," extends to about 0."42, or 59 au, southwest of the star, and is believed to be part of the disk. We suggest that T Tau S is surrounded by a highly inclined circumbinary disk with a radius of about 0."3, or 44 au, with a position angle of about 30°, that is misaligned with the orbit of the T Tau S binary. After analyzing the positions and polarization vector patterns of the outflow-related structures, we suggest that T Tau S should trigger the well-known E–W outflow, and is also likely to be responsible for a southwest precessing outflow "coil" and a possible south outflow.

Yang, Yi↗
NASA NTRS1986

Some design constraints required for the assembly of software components: The incorporation of atomic abstract types into generically structured abstract types

It is nearly axiomatic, that to take the greatest advantage of the useful features available in a development system, and to avoid the negative interactions of those features, requires the exercise of a design methodology which constrains their use. A major design support feature of the Ada language is abstraction: for data, functions processes, resources, and system elements in general. Atomic abstract types can be created in packages defining those private types and all of the overloaded operators, functions, and hidden data required for their use in an application. Generically structured abstract types can be created in generic packages defining those structured private types, as buildups from the user-defined data types which are input as parameters. A study is made of the design constraints required for software incorporating either atomic or generically structured abstract types, if the integration of software components based on them is to be subsequently performed. The impact of these techniques on the reusability of software and the creation of project-specific software support environments is also discussed.

Johnson, Charles S.↗
NASA NTRS1993

A new approach to mixed H2/H infinity controller synthesis using gradient-based parameter optimization methods

In the past few years, the mixed H(sub 2)/H-infinity control problem has been the object of much research interest since it allows the incorporation of robust stability into the LQG framework. The general mixed H(sub 2)/H-infinity design problem has yet to be solved analytically. Numerous schemes have considered upper bounds for the H(sub 2)-performance criterion and/or imposed restrictive constraints on the class of systems under investigation. Furthermore, many modern control applications rely on dynamic models obtained from finite-element analysis and thus involve high-order plant models. Hence the capability to design low-order (fixed-order) controllers is of great importance. In this research a new design method was developed that optimizes the exact H(sub 2)-norm of a certain subsystem subject to robust stability in terms of H-infinity constraints and a minimal number of system assumptions. The derived algorithm is based on a differentiable scalar time-domain penalty function to represent the H-infinity constraints in the overall optimization. The scheme is capable of handling multiple plant conditions and hence multiple performance criteria and H-infinity constraints and incorporates additional constraints such as fixed-order and/or fixed structure controllers. The defined penalty function is applicable to any constraint that is expressible in form of a real symmetric matrix-inequity.

Ly, Uy-Loi↗
NASA NTRS1995

Optimization of composite box-beam structures including effects of subcomponent interactions

Minimum mass designs are obtained for a simple box beam structure subject to bending, torque and combined bending/torque load cases. These designs are obtained subject to point strain and linear buckling constraints. The present work differs from previous efforts in that special attention is payed to including the effects of subcomponent panel interaction in the optimal design process. Two different approaches are used to impose the buckling constraints. When the global approach is used, buckling constraints are imposed on the global structure via a linear eigenvalue analysis. This approach allows the subcomponent panels to interact in a realistic manner. The results obtained using this approach are compared to results obtained using a traditional, less expensive approach, called the local approach. When the local approach is used, in-plane loads are extracted from the global model and used to impose buckling constraints on each subcomponent panel individually. In the global cases, it is found that there can be significant interaction between skin, spar, and rib design variables. This coupling is weak or nonexistent in the local designs. It is determined that weight savings of up to 7% may be obtained by using the global approach instead of the local approach to design these structures. Several of the designs obtained using the linear buckling analysis are subjected to a geometrically nonlinear analysis. For the designs which were subjected to bending loads, the innermost rib panel begins to collapse at less than half the intended design load and in a mode different from that predicted by linear analysis. The discrepancy between the predicted linear and nonlinear responses is attributed to the effects of the nonlinear rib crushing load, and the parameter which controls this rib collapse failure mode is shown to be the rib thickness. The rib collapse failure mode may be avoided by increasing the rib thickness above the value obtained from the (linear analysis based) optimizer. It is concluded that it would be necessary to include geometric nonlinearities in the design optimization process if the true optimum in this case were to be found.

Ragon, Scott A.↗
NASA NTRS2005

Monitoring the Intrinsic Absorption Complex Toward RXJ123.8+0115

The main focus of this study was changed after it became clear that the object to be observed by the Far Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Explorer (FUSE) could not be observed because of spacecraft attitude control system limitations. Therefore, we replaced the prime object for the program (RXJ1230.8+0115) with a secondary object (H1821+643) and began an analysis of a similar quasar spectrum for comparison with the extant RXJ1230.8+0115 spectrum obtained previously by FUSE. Using high-resolution spectra of the radio-quiet, X-ray bright quasar HE0226-4110 obtained with the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) and FUSE, we have examined the remarkable associated absorption line system. The redshift of the quasar is roughly 0.5 so the FUSE+HST spectra cover the rest-frame wavelength in the extreme ultraviolet range 610-1 160A. In this range, we detect transitions from a wide range of ionization species, including the H I Lyman series, Ne VIII, and, for the first time at this resolution, four adjacent stages of oxygen O III-VI. The high quality of these spectra allow us to disentangle the structure of the gas using the complex kinematics to guide the assessments of the multi-component and multi-phase nature of the system. The kinematics of the absorber indicate that all the H I, C 111, and 0 III reside in a single component, while higher ionization species largely arise in a separate, more kinematically complex structure. An analysis of a ground-based spectrum of the quasar covering the H-beta and [0 III] 5007 emission lines reveal excellent agreement in redshift between the 0 III absorption and emission. Thus, for the first time, we are able to use absorption line diagnostics to place interesting constraints on the location and structure of the narrow emission line region around a quasar. In addition, we detect a narrow absorption line that is only seen O VI and lies roughly 50 km/s redward of the narrow emission line component. Absorption from 0 V, and Ne VIII is also detected at this velocity, but as part of broader, more redshifted, component. The line width of this narrow component imply a maximum temperature that is too small to produce O VI through collisional process, suggesting instead that photoionization from the quasar is the dominant ionization mechanism. The photoionization constraints imply that O VII should be the dominant ionization stage in the component.

Sembach, Kenneth↗
NASA NTRS2003

Imparting Desired Attributes by Optimization in Structural Design

Commonly available optimization methods typically produce a single optimal design as a Constrained minimum of a particular objective function. However, in engineering design practice it is quite often important to explore as much of the design space as possible with respect to many attributes to find out what behaviors are possible and not possible within the initially adopted design concept. The paper shows that the very simple method of the sum of objectives is useful for such exploration. By geometrical argument it is demonstrated that if every weighting coefficient is allowed to change its magnitude and its sign then the method returns a set of designs that are all feasible, diverse in their attributes, and include the Pareto and non-Pareto solutions, at least for convex cases. Numerical examples in the paper include a case of an aircraft wing structural box with thousands of degrees of freedom and constraints, and over 100 design variables, whose attributes are structural mass, volume, displacement, and frequency. The method is inherently suitable for parallel, coarse-grained implementation that enables exploration of the design space in the elapsed time of a single structural optimization.

Sobieszczanski-Sobieski, Jaroslaw↗
NASA NTRS1978

An advanced structural analysis/synthesis capability - ACCESS 2

An advanced automated design procedure for minimum weight design of structures (ACCESS 2) is reported. Design variable linking, constraint deletion, and explicit constraint approximation are used to effectively combine finite element and nonlinear mathematical programming techniques. The approximation concepts approach to structural synthesis is extended to problems involving fiber composite structure, thermal effects and natural frequency constraints in addition to the usual static stress and displacement limitations. Sample results illustrating these new features are given.

Schmit, L. A.↗
NASA NTRS1980

A post-Viking view of Martian geologic evolution

The geologic evolution of Mars is reviewed on the basis of data obtained by the Viking and previous missions. Current knowledge of the mean density and moment of inertia factor of Mars are surveyed and the constraints these data place on the structure and composition of the interior are discussed. Inferences drawn about Martian surface composition and mineralogy from lava modeling studies, in situ analyses, remote sensing observations, flow morphometry and investigations of weathering under Martian conditions are presented, and data on the topography, gravity field and structural features are considered in relation to the structure and deformational history of the crust. The temporal and spatial distribution of volcanic units are considered as a constraint on the thermal evolution of the planet, and other constraints on Martian thermal history, such as magnetic field data, are reviewed. Finally, the volatile inventory of Mars is discussed based on elemental and isotopic atmospheric abundance data and geological constraints on H2O and CO2 abundances.

Arvidson, R. E.↗