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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 433 records · Page 24
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1991

GRID3D-v2: An updated version of the GRID2D/3D computer program for generating grid systems in complex-shaped three-dimensional spatial domains

In order to generate good quality systems for complicated three-dimensional spatial domains, the grid-generation method used must be able to exert rather precise controls over grid-point distributions. Several techniques are presented that enhance control of grid-point distribution for a class of algebraic grid-generation methods known as the two-, four-, and six-boundary methods. These techniques include variable stretching functions from bilinear interpolation, interpolating functions based on tension splines, and normalized K-factors. The techniques developed in this study were incorporated into a new version of GRID3D called GRID3D-v2. The usefulness of GRID3D-v2 was demonstrated by using it to generate a three-dimensional grid system in the coolent passage of a radial turbine blade with serpentine channels and pin fins.

Steinthorsson, E.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Global/local stress analysis of composite panels

A method for performing a global/local stress analysis is described and its capabilities are demonstrated. The method employs spline interpolation functions which satisfy the linear plate bending equation to determine displacements and rotations from a global model which are used as 'boundary conditions' for the local model. Then, the local model is analyzed independently of the global model of the structure. This approach can be used to determine local, detailed stress states for specific structural regions using independent, refined local models which exploit information from less-refined global models. The method presented is not restricted to having a priori knowledge of the location of the regions requiring local detailed stress analysis. This approach also reduces the computational effort necessary to obtain the detailed stress state. Criteria for applying the method are developed. The effectiveness of the method is demonstrated using a classical stress concentration problem and a graphite-epoxy blade-stiffened panel with a discontinuous stiffener.

Ransom, J. B.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Calculations of particle-laden flows by second-moment closures

A differential second-moment closure is applied to calculate nonswirling turbulent particle-laden jet flow. The closure is effected by extending constant-density single-phase turbulence models to the continuous (carrier) phase of two-phase flow. The dispersed (discrete) phase is treated by stochastic-Lagrangian technique. To reduce the effects of numerical (false) diffusion on the predicted results, a higher order differencing scheme, namely the flux-spline, is employed. In addition, an experimental study is conducted to provide data of good quality, especially near the inlet, for model assessment. The experiment consists of a confined coaxial jet flow of air with glass beads. The beads' diameter is 105 microns and is injected from the inner jet with a mass loading ratio of 0.9. The computed results are in good agreement with experimental data, especially for the carrier phase. However, the predicted turbulence fluctuations associated with the discrete phase are lower than the data at the downstream region of the flow field.

Nikjooy, M.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Static aeroelastic analysis of composite wing

A static aeroelastic analysis capability that can predict aerodynamic loads for the deformed shape of the composite wing has been developed. The finite element method (FEM) was used for composite plate structural analysis, and the linear vortex lattice method (VLM) was used for steady aerodynamic analysis. The final deformed shape of the wing due to applied forces is determined by iterative manner using FEM and VLM. FEM and VLM analysis are related by a surface spline interpolation procedure. The wing with Gr/Ep composite material has been investigated to see the wing deformation effect. Aerodynamic load change due to wing flexibility has been investigated. Also, the effect of fiber orientation and sweep angle on the deformation pattern and aerodynamic coefficients are examined. For a certain fiber orientation, the deflection and aerodynamic loading of the composite wing is very much reduced. The swept forward wing has more significant effect of wing flexibility on aerodynamic coefficient than the swept back wing does.

Lee, IN↗
NASA NTRS1990

Ascent guidance algorithm using lidar wind measurements

The formulation of a general nonlinear programming guidance algorithm that incorporates wind measurements in the computation of ascent guidance steering commands is discussed. A nonlinear programming (NLP) algorithm that is designed to solve a very general problem has the potential to address the diversity demanded by future launch systems. Using B-splines for the command functional form allows the NLP algorithm to adjust the shape of the command profile to achieve optimal performance. The algorithm flexibility is demonstrated by simulation of ascent with dynamic loading constraints through a set of random wind profiles with and without wind sensing capability.

Cramer, Evin J.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Bilinear modeling and state estimation of slew-induced deformations of a flexible multibody system

A model of the nonlinear dynamics of a deformable maneuvering multibody system is described, whereby elastic deformations are modeled by restoring forces and dissipative forces at point mass appendages. This model is brought into bilinear form. Estimation of deformations occasioned by rapid slewing maneuvers is carried out by a filter based on a globally equivalent linear model of the bilinear dynamics, and is shown to be an improvement over the extended Kalman filter. To further alleviate the computational burden, the estimated deformation state is propagated between observations by a low dimensional operator spline interpolator of bilinear system Volterra series, which is easily implemented.

Dwyer, Thomas A. W., III↗
NASA NTRS1991

Algebraic grid generation for complex geometries

An efficient computer program called GRID2D/3D has been developed to generate single and composite grid systems within geometrically complex two- and three-dimensional (2D and 3D) spatial domains that can deform with time. GRID2D/3D generates single grid systems by using algebraic grid generation methods based on transfinite interpolation. The distribution of grid points within the spatial domain is controlled by stretching functions and grid lines can intersect boundaries of the spatial domain orthogonally. GRID2D/3D generates composite grid systems by patching together two or more single grid systems. The patching can be discontinuous or continuous. For 2D spatial domains the boundary curves are constructed by using either cubic or tension spline interpolation. For 3D spatial domains the boundary surfaces are constructed by using a new technique, developed in this study, referred to as 3D bidirectional Hermite interpolation.

Shih, T. I.-P.↗
NASA NTRS1992

General-Purpose Software For Computer Graphics

NASA Device Independent Graphics Library (NASADIG) is general-purpose computer-graphics package for computer-based engineering and management applications which gives opportunity to translate data into effective graphical displays for presentation. Features include two- and three-dimensional plotting, spline and polynomial interpolation, control of blanking of areas, multiple log and/or linear axes, control of legends and text, control of thicknesses of curves, and multiple text fonts. Included are subroutines for definition of areas and axes of plots; setup and display of text; blanking of areas; setup of style, interpolation, and plotting of lines; control of patterns and of shading of colors; control of legends, blocks of text, and characters; initialization of devices; and setting of mixed alphabets. Written in FORTRAN 77.

Rogers, Joseph E.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Program For Logarithmic Interpolation Of Test Data

DATASPACE program establishes logarithmically increasing time interval in relaxation data. First takes logarithm of abscissa values, then uses cubic-spline interpolation routine to create evenly spaced array from log values. As result of interpolation, data increasingly spaced. Experimental data curve retained, and interpolated points reflect desired spacing. Applicable to any situation with need for increasingly spaced abscissa values in set of data. Written in FORTRAN 77.

Ledbetter, Frank E., II↗
NASA NTRS1991

Air-breathing hypersonic vehicle guidance and control studies; An integrated trajectory/control analysis methodology: Phase 1

A tool which generates optimal trajectory/control histories in an integrated manner is generically adapted to the treatment of single-stage-to-orbit air-breathing hypersonic vehicles. The methodology is implemented as a two point boundary value problem solution technique. Its use permits an assessment of an entire near-minimum-fuel trajectory and desired control strategy from takeoff to orbit while satisfying physically derived inequality constraints and while achieving efficient propulsive mode phasing. A simpler analysis strategy that partitions the trajectory into several boundary condition matched segments is also included to construct preliminary trajectory and control history representations with less computational burden than is required for the overall flight profile assessment. A demonstration was accomplished using a tabulated example (winged-cone accelerator) vehicle model that is combined with a newly developed multidimensional cubic spline data smoothing routine. A constrained near-fuel-optimal trajectory, imposing a dynamic pressure limit of 1000 psf, was developed from horizontal takeoff to 20,000 ft/sec relative air speed while aiming for a polar orbit. Previously unspecified propulsive discontinuities were located. Flight regimes demanding rapid attitude changes were identified, dictating control effector and closed-loop controller authority was ascertained after evaluating effector use for vehicle trim. Also, inadequacies in vehicle model representations and specific subsystem models with insufficient fidelity were determined based on unusual control characteristics and/or excessive sensitivity to uncertainty.

Hattis, Philip D.↗
NASA NTRS1990

PAN AIR: A computer program for predicting subsonic or supersonic linear potential flows about arbitrary configurations using a higher order panel method. Volume 1: Theory document (version 3.0)

An outline of the derivation of the differential equation governing linear subsonic and supersonic potential flow is given. The use of Green's Theorem to obtain an integral equation over the boundary surface is discussed. The engineering techniques incorporated in the Panel Aerodynamics (PAN AIR) program (a discretization method which solves the integral equation for arbitrary first order boundary conditions) are then discussed in detail. Items discussed include the construction of the compressibility transformation, splining techniques, imposition of the boundary conditions, influence coefficient computation (including the concept of the finite part of an integral), computation of pressure coefficients, and computation of forces and moments. Principal revisions to version 3.0 are the following: (1) appendices H and K more fully describe the Aerodynamic Influence Coefficient (AIC) construction; (2) appendix L now provides a complete description of the AIC solution process; (3) appendix P is new and discusses the theory for the new FDP module (which calculates streamlines and offbody points); and (4) numerous small corrections and revisions reflecting the MAG module rewrite.

Epton, Michael A.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Application of three-dimensional Bezier patches in grid generation

Bezier and B-spline patches are popular tools in surface modeling. With these methods, a surface is represented by the tensor product of univariate approximations. The extension of this concept to three dimensions is obvious and can be applied to the problem of grid generation. This report will demonstrate how three dimensional patches can be used in solid modeling and in the generation of grids. Examples will be given demonstrating the ability to generate three dimensional grids directly from a wire frame without having to first set up the boundary surfaces. Many geometric grid properties can be imposed by the proper choice of the control net.

Mastin, C. Wayne↗
NASA NTRS1992

Elliptic surface grid generation in three-dimensional space

A methodology for surface grid generation in three dimensional space is described. The method solves a Poisson equation for each coordinate on arbitrary surfaces using successive line over-relaxation. The complete surface curvature terms were discretized and retained within the nonhomogeneous term in order to preserve surface definition; there is no need for conventional surface splines. Control functions were formulated to permit control of grid orthogonality and spacing. A method for interpolation of control functions into the domain was devised which permits their specification not only at the surface boundaries but within the interior as well. An interactive surface generation code which makes use of this methodology is currently under development.

Kania, Lee↗
NASA NTRS1992

Algebraic surface grid generation in three-dimensional space

An interactive program for algebraic generation of structured surface grids in three dimensional space was developed on the IRIS4D series workstations. Interactive tools are available to ease construction of edge curves and surfaces in 3-D space. Addition, removal, or redistribution of points at arbitrary locations on a general 3-D surface or curve is possible. Also, redistribution of surface grid points may be accomplished through use of conventional surface splines or a method called 'surface constrained transfinite interpolation'. This method allows the user to redistribute the grid points on the edges of a surface patch; the effect of the redistribution is then propagated to the remainder of the surface through a transfinite interpolation procedure where the grid points will be constrained to lie on the surface. The program was written to be highly functional and easy to use. A host of utilities are available to ease the grid generation process. Generality of the program allows the creation of single and multizonal surface grids according to the user requirements. The program communicates with the user through popup menus, windows, and the mouse.

Warsi, Saif↗
NASA NTRS1992

Application of three-dimensional Bezier patches in grid generation

Bezier and B-spline patches are popular tools in surface modeling. With these methods, a surface is represented by the tensor product of univariate approximations. The extension of this concept to three-dimensions is obvious and can be applied to the problem of grid generation. This report will demonstrate how three-dimensional patches can be used in solid modeling and in the generation of grids. Examples will be given demonstrating the ability to generate three-dimensional grids directly from a wire frame without having to first set up the boundary surfaces. Many geometric grid properties can be imposed by the proper choice of the control net.

Mastin, C. Wayne↗
NASA NTRS1992

TCGRID: A three dimensional C-grid generator for turbomachinery

A fast 3-D grid code for turbomachinery was developed. The code, TCGRID (Turbomachinery C-GRID), can generate either C or H type grids for fairly arbitrary axial or radical turbomachinery geometries. The code also has limited blocked grid capability and can generate an axisymmetric H type grid upstream of the blade row or an O type grid within the tip clearance region. Hub and tip geometries are input as a simple list of pairs. All geometric data is handled using parametric splines so that geometries that turn 90 degrees can be handled without difficulty. Blade input is in standard MERIDL or Lewis compressor design code format. TCGRID adds leading and trailing edge circles to MERIDL geometries and intersects the blade with the hub and tip if necessary using a novel intersection algorithm. The procedure used to generate the grid is given. Output is in PLOT3D format, which can also be read by the RVC3D (Rotor Viscous Code 3-D) Navier-Stokes code for turbomachinery. Intermediate 2-D or 3-D grids useful for debug and other purposes can also be output using a convenient output flag. A grid generated figure is given.

Chima, Rodrick V.↗
NASA NTRS1992

TIGER: Turbomachinery interactive grid generation

A three dimensional, interactive grid generation code, TIGER, is being developed for analysis of flows around ducted or unducted propellers. TIGER is a customized grid generator that combines new technology with methods from general grid generation codes. The code generates multiple block, structured grids around multiple blade rows with a hub and shroud for either C grid or H grid topologies. The code is intended for use with a Euler/Navier-Stokes solver also being developed, but is general enough for use with other flow solvers. TIGER features a silicon graphics interactive graphics environment that displays a pop-up window, graphics window, and text window. The geometry is read as a discrete set of points with options for several industrial standard formats and NASA standard formats. Various splines are available for defining the surface geometries. Grid generation is done either interactively or through a batch mode operation using history files from a previously generated grid. The batch mode operation can be done either with a graphical display of the interactive session or with no graphics so that the code can be run on another computer system. Run time can be significantly reduced by running on a Cray-YMP.

Soni, Bharat K.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Optimal design of geodesically stiffened composite cylindrical shells

An optimization system based on the finite element code Computations Structural Mechanics (CSM) Testbed and the optimization program, Automated Design Synthesis (ADS), is described. The optimization system can be used to obtain minimum-weight designs of composite stiffened structures. Ply thickness, ply orientations, and stiffener heights can be used as design variables. Buckling, displacement, and material failure constraints can be imposed on the design. The system is used to conduct a design study of geodesically stiffened shells. For comparison purposes, optimal designs of unstiffened shells and shells stiffened by rings and stingers are also obtained. Trends in the design of geodesically stiffened shells are identified. An approach to include local stress concentrations during the design optimization process is then presented. The method is based on a global/local analysis technique. It employs spline interpolation functions to determine displacements and rotations from a global model which are used as 'boundary conditions' for the local model. The organization of the strategy in the context of an optimization process is described. The method is validated with an example.

Gendron, G.↗