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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
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NASA NTRS2021

Aircraft Flaps Modeling in OpenMDAO

The goal of this project was to develop a model for a single subsystem in the aerodynamics discipline, in this case the flaps of an aircraft. Flaps are high-lift devices used by planes to allow for quicker takeoffs, and slower landings. A computer-based aircraft model of the flaps of an aircraft was developed using the Python based open-source framework OpenMDAO. OpenMDAO is used to develop multi-disciplinary aircraft models using gradient-based optimization; design optimization (MDO) is concerned with solving design problems involving numerical models of complex engineering systems. There were 4 components in the model; each has input values, output variables, and equations to calculate said outputs. The variables and equations are sourced from NASA Fortran code from the 1970s, in a project called the General Aviation Synthesis Program (GASP). These variables and equations which create the model are being converted to Python for ease of use. The flaps model developed will be integrated into a larger model of a conventional aircraft’s flight phases. All subsystems of the model will first be built using the parameters of a Boeing 737 MAX-8, to validate its functionality and accuracy. Then, the aircraft model will be used for hybrid-electric research; running optimizations to improve efficiency, minimize fuel burn, and advance hybrid-electric technology in the aerospace field.

Computer-based aircraft modeling↗
NASA NTRS1976

A general rotor model system for wind-tunnel investigation of rotorcraft aerodynamics and acoustics

A complex rotorcraft model system has been developed by the NASA Langley Research Center and the U.S. Army Air Mobility R&D Laboratory, Langley Directorate, for aerodynamic and acoustic experimental investigations in the NASA Langley V/STOL tunnel. This generalized rotor model system has a powered main rotor, tail rotor, and auxiliary engine capability. It may be configured to represent a variety of rotorcraft configurations. The first investigation was conducted to determine the performance, acoustic, stability and control characteristics of the NASA/Army Rotor Systems Research Aircraft with an articulated rotor. In a second investigation, a quarter-scale AH-1G configuration with a teetering rotor is being represented to determine if a V-tail will improve the directional characteristics. Future programs are planned to investigate advanced rotor blade airfoils for improved performance and acoustic characteristics.

Wilson, J. C.↗
NASA NTRS2017

Three-Dimensional High Fidelity Progressive Failure Damage Modeling of NCF Composites

Performance prediction of off-axis laminates is of significant interest in designing composite structures for energy absorption. Phenomenological models available in most of the commercial programs, where the fiber and resin properties are smeared, are very efficient for large scale structural analysis, but lack the ability to model the complex nonlinear behavior of the resin and fail to capture the complex load transfer mechanisms between the fiber and the resin matrix. On the other hand, high fidelity mesoscale models, where the fiber tows and matrix regions are explicitly modeled, have the ability to account for the complex behavior in each of the constituents of the composite. However, creating a finite element model of a larger scale composite component could be very time consuming and computationally very expensive. In the present study, a three-dimensional mesoscale model of non-crimp composite laminates was developed for various laminate schemes. The resin material was modeled as an elastic-plastic material with nonlinear hardening. The fiber tows were modeled with an orthotropic material model with brittle failure. In parallel, new stress based failure criteria combined with several damage evolution laws for matrix stresses were proposed for a phenomenological model. The results from both the mesoscale and phenomenological models were compared with the experiments for a variety of off-axis laminates.

Aitharaju, Venkat↗
NASA NTRS2021

Fitting strategies of accretion column models and application to the broadband spectrum of Cen X-3

Due to the complexity of modeling the radiative transfer inside the accretion columns of neutron star binaries, their X-ray spectra are still commonly described with phenomenological models, e.g., a cut off power law. While the behavior of these models is well understood and they allow for a comparison of different sources and studying source behavior, the extent to which the underlying physics can be derived from the model parameters is very limited. During recent years, several physically motivated spectral models have been developed to overcome these limitations. Their application, however, is generally computationally much more expensive and they require a high number of parameters which are difficult to constrain. In particular, Becker & Wolff(2007) presented an analytical solution to the radiative transfer equation inside the accretion column assuming a velocity profile that is linear in the optical depth. An implementation of this model that is both fast and accurate enough to be fitted to observed spectra is available in XSPEC. The main difficulty of this implementation is that some solutions violate energy conservation and therefore have to be rejected by the user. We propose a novel fitting strategy that ensures energy conservation during theχ2-minimization which simplifies the application of the model considerably. We demonstrate this approach as well as a study of possible parameter degeneracies with a comprehensive Markov-Chain Monte Carlo analysis of the complete parameter space for a combined NuSTAR and Swift/XRT dataset of Cen X-3.The derived accretion-flow structure features a small column radius of∼63 m and a spectrum dominated by bulk-Comptonization of bremsstrahlung seed photons, in agreement with previous studies.

X-rays: binaries↗
NASA NTRS2021

Fitting Strategies of Accretion Column Models and Application to the Broadband Spectrum of Cen X-3

Due to the complexity of modeling the radiative transfer inside the accretion columns of neutron star binaries, their X-ray spectra are still commonly described with phenomenological models, e.g., a cut off power law. While the behavior of these models is well understood and they allow for a comparison of different sources and studying source behavior, the extent to which the underlying physics can be derived from the model parameters is very limited. During recent years, several physically motivated spectral models have been developed to overcome these limitations. Their application, however, is generally computationally much more expensive and they require a high number of parameters which are difficult to constrain. In particular, Becker & Wolff(2007) presented an analytical solution to the radiative transfer equation inside the accretion column assuming a velocity profile that is linear in the optical depth. An implementation of this model that is both fast and accurate enough to be fitted to observed spectra is available in XSPEC. The main difficulty of this implementation is that some solutions violate energy conservation and therefore have to be rejected by the user. We propose a novel fitting strategy that ensures energy conservation during theχ2-minimization which simplifies the application of the model considerably. We demonstrate this approach as well as a study of possible parameter degeneracies with a comprehensive Markov-Chain Monte Carlo analysis of the complete parameter space for a combined NuSTAR and Swift/XRT data-set of Cen X-3.The derived accretion-flow structure features a small column radius of∼63 m and a spectrum dominated by bulk-Comptonization of bremsstrahlung seed photons, in agreement with previous studies

Philipp Thalhammer↗
NASA NTRS1975

Application of a new criterion for modeling systems

A new criterion is proposed for modeling systems which promises to be useful in deciding how complex a model should be. The criterion is based on the expected model response error instead of the error in fitting the data used for estimating the model parameters. The new criterion also does not require withholding data to be used exclusively for testing. There remains, however, the difficulty of testing a large number of candidate models that correspond to the combinations of terms used in the dynamic equations. A computational approach is suggested which greatly reduces the computations required in searching for the best model. In the suggested approach the gradient of the response with respect to the model coefficients is held fixed and numerous combinations of terms are assessed. After determining the most promising candidate model, the gradient is updated and the process is repeated. This procedure gives greater assurance that the best model is selected and does not rely on the analyst's judgement.

Taylor, L. W., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Selection of component modes

Structural dynamic models of complex spacecraft are often assembled from a number of component models. In this paper, three methods for reducing the order of these component models are presented by selecting 'important' fixed interface component modes. These methods are applied to two component structures of the Space Station Freedom: a photovoltaic (PV) array and a solar dynamic collector. The reduced order models of these components retain a small fraction of the number of modes in the original models while accurately representing a set of outputs chosen by the user.

Blelloch, Paul A.↗
NASA NTRS1995

Turbulence program for propulsion systems

Program goals at the Center for Modeling of Turbulence and Transition (CMOTT), NASA Lewis Research Center, are (1) to develop reliable turbulence (including bypass transition) and combustion models for complex flows in propulsion systems and (2) to integrate developed models into deliverable CFD tools for propulsion systems in collaboration with industry. This viewgraph presentation covers the following topics: development of turbulence and combustion models; collaboration with industry and technology transfer; isotropic eddy viscosity models; algebraic Reynolds stress models; scalar turbulence models; second order closure models; multiple scale k-epsilon models; and PDF modeling of turbulent reacting flows.

Shih, Tsan-Hsing↗
NASA NTRS2004

Novel Image Processing Interface to Relate DSB Spatial Distribution from Immunofluorescence Foci Experiments to the State-of-the-Art Models of DNA Breakage

A recently developed software (NASARadiationTrackImage) allows a quick and automatic segmentation of foci that indicate spatial localization of specific proteins that are visualized by immunofluorescence. Of interest are the spatial and temporal distribution of foci such as gammaH2AX, a signal of the phosphorylation of a variant of the histone H2A that has been shown to correspond to DSBs, or proteins involved in DSB processing, such as ATM, Rad51, and p53, following exposures of human cells to high charge and energy (HZE) ion irradiation. Experimental data are recorded as sets of two-dimensional images in color with cells and foci of gammaH2AX, ATM, Rad51 or others shown. Different cells, levels of radiation and timing after radiation were recorded. The software allows us to calculate the number of foci per cell, overall intensity of light in foci and their spatial organization. A simple statistical model allows for testing of foci overlap (eclipse). A more complex statistical model previously known as DNAbreak simulates track structure and random chromosome geometry. It has one adjustable parameter corresponding to an average intensity of DSB creation in cubic micrometers of DNA volume per particle track or unit dose. Its limitation is the low-resolution limit both in physical space and DSB's along DNA. It works adequately on the scale of a cell and provides further insights on how the geometry of tracks and DNA affects genomic damage of the cell and subsequent repair. Future developments of the model for the description of the time evolution of DNA damage response proteins, and more robust track structure models will be discussed.

Ponomarev, A. L.↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Model Based Approaches for Fault Detection, Prognostics, Decision Making in Complex Systems

The presentation discusses application of model based approaches to complex systems. The model is composed of physics-derived and empirical equations, integrated with connected networks that are strategically placed within the model to substitute equations that are subject to large uncertainty. Polynomial fit driven by heuristics or empirical observations can be substituted by more flexible networks that can minimize the error between model predictions and observations without being restricted to a predefined functional form. This modeling strategy allows training of networks deep inside the model and unknown parameters in a single learning stage.

Physics Informed↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Model-Based Systems Engineering, Real-Time Operations, and Autonomy

Model-Based Systems Engineering has been enabled by the development of the SysML language and software tools to create systems models. Systems models described in SysML incorporate frames (Diagrams) that represent behaviors (activities, sequences, state machines, use cases), requirements, and structure (definitions, internal structure, parametric formulation, and packaging). The SysML models are, in turn, used by applications to do analysis and studies of the designs and operational capabilities. These uses of the model are based on simulations, and do not include hardware. This paper presents a software environment and processes that enables more comprehensive systems models for MBSE, and use of these rich models for real-time operations. The paper describes a software platform that enables creation of comprehensive models, beyond what is now possible with SysML and related software tools, called the NASA Platform for Autonomous Systems (NPAS). The platform encapsulates a paradigm and infrastructure for creating systems models with complexity levels comparable to the ones handled by SysML software tools, but with additional fidelity that includes detailed design diagrams encompassing sensors, components, and design topologies. Furthermore, NPAS enables incorporation of data, information, and knowledge (DIaK) to implement autonomy and Integrated System Health Management (ISHM) and the inherent integration of content encompassing SysML structure and behavior diagrams throughout the NPAS modelAnd lastly, the NPAS models are used in real-time operations, taking advantage of the fidelity and complexity encompassed in the models in order to implement “thinking” ISHM and/or autonomous operations. . Incorporation of SysML model content into an NPAS model is briefly discussed.

MBSE↗
NASA NTRS1996

Evaluation of joint probability density function models for turbulent nonpremixed combustion with complex chemistry

Two types of mixing sub-models are evaluated in connection with a joint-scalar probability density function method for turbulent nonpremixed combustion. Model calculations are made and compared to simulation results for homogeneously distributed methane-air reaction zones mixing and reacting in decaying turbulence within a two-dimensional enclosed domain. The comparison is arranged to ensure that both the simulation and model calculations a) make use of exactly the same chemical mechanism, b) do not involve non-unity Lewis number transport of species, and c) are free from radiation loss. The modified Curl mixing sub-model was found to provide superior predictive accuracy over the simple relaxation-to-mean submodel in the case studied. Accuracy to within 10-20% was found for global means of major species and temperature; however, nitric oxide prediction accuracy was lower and highly dependent on the choice of mixing sub-model. Both mixing submodels were found to produce non-physical mixing behavior for mixture fractions removed from the immediate reaction zone. A suggestion for a further modified Curl mixing sub-model is made in connection with earlier work done in the field.

Smith, N. S. A.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Effects of turbulence model selection on the prediction of complex aerodynamic flows

Numerical simulations of viscous transonic flow over a circular-arc airfoil and in a diffuser are described. The simulations are made with a new computer program designed to serve as a tool in the development of improved turbulence models for complex flows. The program incorporates zero-, one-, and two-equation eddy viscosity models and includes a variety of subsonic and supersonic boundary conditions. The airfoil flow contains a shock-separated boundary-layer interaction that has resisted previous attempts at simulation. The diffuser flow also contains a shock-boundary-layer interaction, which has not been simulated previously. Calculations using standard turbulence models, developed originally for incompressible unseparated flows, are described. Results indicate that although there are interesting differences in predictions between the various models, none of them predict the flows accurately. Suggestions for improved turbulence models are discussed.

Coakley, T. J.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Addition of equilibrium air to an upwind Navier-Stokes code and other first steps toward a more generalized flow solver

An upwind three-dimensional volume Navier-Stokes code is modified to facilitate modeling of complex geometries and flow fields represented by proposed National Aerospace Plane concepts. Code enhancements include an equilibrium air model, a generalized equilibrium gas model and several schemes to simplify treatment of complex geometric configurations. The code is also restructured for inclusion of an arbitrary number of independent and dependent variables. This latter capability is intended for eventual use to incorporate nonequilibrium/chemistry gas models, more sophisticated turbulence and transition models, or other physical phenomena which will require inclusion of additional variables and/or governing equations. Comparisons of computed results with experimental data and results obtained using other methods are presented for code validation purposes. Good correlation is obtained for all of the test cases considered, indicating the success of the current effort.

Rosen, Bruce S.↗
NASA NTRS1991

A Markov model reduction technique for fault tolerant processor reliability analysis

A fault tolerant processor (FTP) plays a key role in many high performance, safety-critical control system applications. Realistic modeling of an FTP is crucial to gaining a high degree of confidence in the reliability and safety analysis of such a system. While fidelity is clearly a major consideration, a practical model must also be kept to a moderate size to allow its incorporation into the overall system model. This paper presents a systematic reduction technique that starts from a complex, detailed model of a triple, redundant FTP and produces a low order approximation of very high accuracy. The existence of two distinct time scales represents the key to the success of the technique. No eigenvalue solution or coordinate transformation are needed. The reduced model captures all the important features of the detailed model, is amenable to an analytical solution and provides insight into the reconfiguration behavior of an FTP.

Schor, Andrei L.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Numerical optimization of composite hip endoprostheses under different loading conditions

The optimization of composite hip implants was investigated. Emphasis was placed on the effect of shape and material tailoring of the implant to improve the implant-bone interaction. A variety of loading conditions were investigated to better understand the relationship between loading and optimization outcome. Comparisons of the initial and optimal models with more complex 3D finite element models were performed. The results indicate that design improvements made using this method result in similar improvements in the 3D models. Although the optimization outcomes were significantly affected by the choice of loading conditions, certain trends were observed that were independent of the applied loading.

Blake, T. A.↗
NASA NTRS2003

Parameter Estimation of Spacecraft Nutation Growth Model

Modeling fuel slosh effects accurately and completely on spinning spacecraft has been a long standing concern within the aerospace community. Gyroscopic stiffness is obtained by spinning spacecraft as it is launched from one of the upper stages before it is placed in orbit. Unbalances in the spacecraft causes it to precess (wobble). The oscillatory motions are caused in the fuel due to this precession. This phenomenon is called 'fuel slosh' and the dynamic forces induced could adversely affect the stability and control of a spacecraft that spins about one of its minor moments of inertia axes. An equivalent mechanical model of fuel slosh is developed using springs and dampers that are connected to the rigid fuel tank. The stiffness and damping coefficients are the parameters that need to be identified in the fuel slosh mechanical model. This in turn is used in the spacecraft model to estimate the Nutation Time Constant (NTC) for the spacecraft. The experimental values needed for the identification of the model parameters are obtained from experiments conducted at Southwest Research Institute using the Spinning Slosh Test Rig (SSTR). The research focus is on developing models of different complexity and estimating the model parameters that will ultimately provide a more realistic Nutation Time Constant obtained through simulation.

Gangadharan, Sathya N.↗
NASA NTRS2004

Neural network uncertainty assessment using Bayesian statistics: a remote sensing application

Neural network (NN) techniques have proved successful for many regression problems, in particular for remote sensing; however, uncertainty estimates are rarely provided. In this article, a Bayesian technique to evaluate uncertainties of the NN parameters (i.e., synaptic weights) is first presented. In contrast to more traditional approaches based on point estimation of the NN weights, we assess uncertainties on such estimates to monitor the robustness of the NN model. These theoretical developments are illustrated by applying them to the problem of retrieving surface skin temperature, microwave surface emissivities, and integrated water vapor content from a combined analysis of satellite microwave and infrared observations over land. The weight uncertainty estimates are then used to compute analytically the uncertainties in the network outputs (i.e., error bars and correlation structure of these errors). Such quantities are very important for evaluating any application of an NN model. The uncertainties on the NN Jacobians are then considered in the third part of this article. Used for regression fitting, NN models can be used effectively to represent highly nonlinear, multivariate functions. In this situation, most emphasis is put on estimating the output errors, but almost no attention has been given to errors associated with the internal structure of the regression model. The complex structure of dependency inside the NN is the essence of the model, and assessing its quality, coherency, and physical character makes all the difference between a blackbox model with small output errors and a reliable, robust, and physically coherent model. Such dependency structures are described to the first order by the NN Jacobians: they indicate the sensitivity of one output with respect to the inputs of the model for given input data. We use a Monte Carlo integration procedure to estimate the robustness of the NN Jacobians. A regularization strategy based on principal component analysis is proposed to suppress the multicollinearities in order to make these Jacobians robust and physically meaningful.

Neural Networks (Computer)↗