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At least 559 records · Page 31

Percheron Power Archimedes Screw Turbine Analysis (Abstract)

The development of the Percheron Power (Percheron) composite Archimedes screw turbine (AST) is based upon employing newly developed theoretical mathematical models for optimizing the water volume carried through the AST for a given diameter, combined with minimizing efficiency losses due to bypass flow and friction. The key feasibility issues associated with producing the composite blades will be to understand the strength, fatigue, and wear performance of the AST blades and associated components, and how these factors change along the length of the turbine. To get to this understanding of material property requirements, Percheron needs free-surface computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models of the AST designs and to perform interactive modeling between the turbine blade optimization and component design based on finite element method stress analysis (FEA). The workscope and analyses requested by Percheron in the Small Business Voucher (SBV) program are well aligned with PNNL capability and recent work experience in performing CFD and FEA analysis for hydropower and marine energy turbines. The CFD analysis will provide estimates of power, efficiency, and surface forces on the blades. The forces on the blade will be transferred to the FEA analysis that will be used to evaluate the material stresses. The CFD and FEA analyses will be repeated for different AST designs provided to PNNL by Percheron. The work conducted in this SBV project will complement the existing Percheron FOA project by providing better defined parameters for design and material selection for the turbine unit prior to manufacture of initial test units.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Correlation of predicted and measured thermal stresses on an advanced aircraft structure with dissimilar materials

Additional information was added to a growing data base from which estimates of finite element model complexities can be made with respect to thermal stress analysis. The manner in which temperatures were smeared to the finite element grid points was examined from the point of view of the impact on thermal stress calculations. The general comparison of calculated and measured thermal stresses is guite good and there is little doubt that the finite element approach provided by NASTRAN results in correct thermal stress calculations. Discrepancies did exist between measured and calculated values in the skin and the skin/frame junctures. The problems with predicting skin thermal stress were attributed to inadequate temperature inputs to the structural model rather than modeling insufficiencies. The discrepancies occurring at the skin/frame juncture were most likely due to insufficient modeling elements rather than temperature problems.

Jenkins, J. M.↗

Mixed mode stress-intensity-factors in mode-3 loaded middle crack tension specimen

A three dimensional stress analysis of a middle-crack tension specimen subjected to mode-3 type loading was performed using fracture mechanics based finite element code FRAC3D. Three-dimensional stress intensity factors were calculated for a range of specimen thicknesses that represent the structures used in aerospace and nuclear industries. Calculated SIF for very thick specimen (thickness-to-crack length b/a greater than or equal to 30) agreed very well with the antiplane solution in the literature. The K(sub II) stress field exists near the intersection of the crack front and free surface in a boundary-layer region covers the complete thickness of the plate and K(sub II) dominates all through the thickness. For very thin plates (b/a is less than .1), the average K(sub II) is larger than K(sub III) (about 25% for b/a = 0.1).

Shivakumar, Kunigal N.↗

Strain energy release rate analysis of cyclic delamination growth in compressively loaded laminates

Delamination growth in compressively loaded composite laminates was studied analytically and experimentally. The configuration used was a laminate with an across-the-width delamination. An approximate super-position stress analysis was developed to quantify the effects of various geometric, material, and load parameters on mode 2 and mode 2 strain energy release rates G sub/1 and G sub 2, respectively. Calculated values of G sub 1 and G sub 2 were then compared with measured cyclic delamination growth rates to determine the relative importance of G sub 1 and G sub 2. High growth rates were observed only when G sub 1 was large. However, slow growth was observed even when G sub 1 was negligibly small. This growth apparently was due to a large value of G sub 2.

Whitcomb, J. D.↗

Strain-energy release rate analysis of cyclic delamination growth in compressively loaded laminates

Delamination growth in compressively loaded composite laminates was studied analytically and experimentally. The configuration used was a laminate with an across-the-width delamination. An approximate super-position stress analysis was developed to quantify the effects of various geometric, material, and load parameters on mode 1 and mode 2 strain energy release rates G sub 1 and G sub 2, respectively. Calculated values of G sub 1 and G sub 2 were then compared with measured cyclic delamination growth rates to determine the relative importance of G sub 1 and G sub 2. High growth rates were observed only when G sub 1 was large. However, slow growth was observed even when G sub 1 was negligibly small. This growth was apparently due to a large value of G sub 2.

Whitcomb, J. D.↗

Guidelines for Design and Analysis of Large, Brittle Spacecraft Components

There were two related parts to this work. The first, conducted at The Aerospace Corporation was to develop and define methods for integrating the statistical theory of brittle strength with conventional finite element stress analysis, and to carry out a limited laboratory test program to illustrate the methods. The second part, separately funded at Aerojet Electronic Systems Division, was to create the finite element postprocessing program for integrating the statistical strength analysis with the structural analysis. The second part was monitored by Capt. Jeff McCann of USAF/SMC, as Special Study No.11, which authorized Aerojet to support Aerospace on this work requested by NASA. This second part is documented in Appendix A. The activity at Aerojet was guided by the Aerospace methods developed in the first part of this work. This joint work of Aerospace and Aerojet stemmed from prior related work for the Defense Support Program (DSP) Program Office, to qualify the DSP sensor main mirror and corrector lens for flight as part of a shuttle payload. These large brittle components of the DSP sensor are provided by Aerojet. This document defines rational methods for addressing the structural integrity and safety of large, brittle, payload components, which have low and variable tensile strength and can suddenly break or shatter. The methods are applicable to the evaluation and validation of such components, which, because of size and configuration restrictions, cannot be validated by direct proof test.

Robinson, E. Y.↗

Design and Analysis of a Keel Latch for Use on the Hubble Space Telescope

This paper will be divided into two parts. The first part will deal with the mechanical design of the keel latch. The second part will be the stress analysis of the keel latch. The first part will present: (1) background information; (2) mechanical design requirements; (3) some of the initial design considerations; (4) the design considerations that led to the selection of the final design; (5) the mechanics of the final design; (6) testing that has been and will be accomplished to verify that design requirements have been met; and (7) future tests.

Calvert, John↗

Factors influencing elastic stresses in double cantilever beam specimens

An elastic stress analysis was conducted for a double cantilever beam (DCB) specimen using finite-element methods. The purpose of this study was to identify the important parameters that influence stresses ahead of the delamination front. The study focused on an aluminum DCB specimen, typical of adhesively-bonded joints, and on a graphite/epoxy specimen representing a cocured composite. Opening mode sigma sub y stresses ahead of the crack tip were calculated and compared with those for a monolithic reference specimen. Beyond the singularity-dominated region very near the crack tip, the sigma sub y distribution was elevated compared to the monolithic case. Both the adhesive thickness and the adherend transverse (thickness-direction) stiffness were found to influence the elevation of sigma sub y. In contrast, adherend thickness and longitudinal stiffness has very little effect on this stress distribution. Estimates for adhesive yielding beyond the aluminum DCB crack tip showed that both the area and height of the plastic zone increased to a peak value for increasing adhesive thicknesses. Results from this study would provide insight for comparing data from different DCB specimens and for designing new DCB specimens.

Crews, J. H., Jr.↗

Factors influencing elastic stresses in double cantilever beam specimens

An elastic stress analysis was conducted for a double cantilever beam (DCB) specimen using finite-element methods. The purpose of this study was to identify the important parameters that influence stresses ahead of the delamination front. The study focused on an aluminum DCB specimen, typical of adhesively-bonded joints, and on a graphite/epoxy specimen representing a cocured composite. Opening mode sigma sub y stresses ahead of the crack tip were calculated and compared with those for a monolithic reference specimen. Beyond the singularity-dominated region very near the crack tip, the sigma sub y distribution was elevated compared to the monolithic case. Both the adhesive thickness and the adherend transverse (thickness-direction) stiffness were found to influence the elevation of sigma sub y. In contrast, adherend thickness and longitudinal stiffness has very little effect on this stress distribution. Estimates for adhesive yielding beyond the aluminum DCB crack tip showed that both the area and height of the plastic zone increased to a peak value for increasing adhesive thicknesses. Results from this study would provide insight for comparing data from different DCB specimens and for designing new DCB specimens.

Crews, J. H., Jr.↗

Effect of Crystal Orientation on Analysis of Single-Crystal, Nickel-Based Turbine Blade Superalloys

High-cycle fatigue-induced failures in turbine and turbopump blades is a pervasive problem. Single-crystal nickel turbine blades are used because of their superior creep, stress rupture, melt resistance, and thermomechanical fatigue capabilities. Single-crystal materials have highly orthotropic properties making the position of the crystal lattice relative to the part geometry a significant and complicating factor. A fatigue failure criterion based on the maximum shear stress amplitude on the 24 octahedral and 6 cube slip systems is presented for single-crystal nickel superalloys (FCC crystal). This criterion greatly reduces the scatter in uniaxial fatigue data for PWA 1493 at 1,200 F in air. Additionally, single-crystal turbine blades used in the Space Shuttle main engine high pressure fuel turbopump/alternate turbopump are modeled using a three-dimensional finite element (FE) model. This model accounts for material orthotrophy and crystal orientation. Fatigue life of the blade tip is computed using FE stress results and the failure criterion that was developed. Stress analysis results in the blade attachment region are also presented. Results demonstrate that control of crystallographic orientation has the potential to significantly increase a component's resistance to fatigue crack growth without adding additional weight or cost.

Swanson, G. R.↗

Structural Configuration Systems Analysis for Advanced Aircraft Fuselage Concepts

Structural configuration analysis of an advanced aircraft fuselage concept is investigated. This concept is characterized by a double-bubble section fuselage with rear mounted engines. Based on lessons learned from structural systems analysis of unconventional aircraft, high-fidelity finite-element models (FEM) are developed for evaluating structural performance of three double-bubble section configurations. Structural sizing and stress analysis are applied for design improvement and weight reduction. Among the three double-bubble configurations, the double-D cross-section fuselage design was found to have a relatively lower structural weight. The structural FEM weights of these three double-bubble fuselage section concepts are also compared with several cylindrical fuselage models. Since these fuselage concepts are different in size, shape and material, the fuselage structural FEM weights are normalized by the corresponding passenger floor area for a relative comparison. This structural systems analysis indicates that an advanced composite double-D section fuselage may have a relative structural weight ratio advantage over a conventional aluminum fuselage. Ten commercial and conceptual aircraft fuselage structural weight estimates, which are empirically derived from the corresponding maximum takeoff gross weight, are also presented and compared with the FEM- based estimates for possible correlation. A conceptual full vehicle FEM model with a double-D fuselage is also developed for preliminary structural analysis and weight estimation.

Mukhopadhyay, Vivek↗

Composite Structure Modeling and Analysis of Advanced Aircraft Fuselage Concepts

NASA Environmentally Responsible Aviation (ERA) project and the Boeing Company are collabrating to advance the unitized damage arresting composite airframe technology with application to the Hybrid-Wing-Body (HWB) aircraft. The testing of a HWB fuselage section with Pultruded Rod Stitched Efficient Unitized Structure (PRSEUS) construction is presently being conducted at NASA Langley. Based on lessons learned from previous HWB structural design studies, improved finite-element models (FEM) of the HWB multi-bay and bulkhead assembly are developed to evaluate the performance of the PRSEUS construction. In order to assess the comparative weight reduction benefits of the PRSEUS technology, conventional cylindrical skin-stringer-frame models of a cylindrical and a double-bubble section fuselage concepts are developed. Stress analysis with design cabin-pressure load and scenario based case studies are conducted for design improvement in each case. Alternate analysis with stitched composite hat-stringers and C-frames are also presented, in addition to the foam-core sandwich frame and pultruded rod-stringer construction. The FEM structural stress, strain and weights are computed and compared for relative weight/strength benefit assessment. The structural analysis and specific weight comparison of these stitched composite advanced aircraft fuselage concepts demonstrated that the pressurized HWB fuselage section assembly can be structurally as efficient as the conventional cylindrical fuselage section with composite stringer-frame and PRSEUS construction, and significantly better than the conventional aluminum construction and the double-bubble section concept.

Mukhopadhyay, Vivek↗

Thermal behavior of a titanium honeycomb-core sandwich panel

Finite element thermal stress analysis was performed on a rectangular titanium honecomb-core sandwich panel which is subjected to thermal load with a temperature gradient across its depth. The distributions of normal stresses in the face sheets and the face-sheet/sandwich-core interfacial shear stresses are presented. The thermal buckling of the heated face sheet was analyzed by assuming the face sheet to be resting on an elastic foundation representing the sandwich core. Thermal buckling curves and thermal buckling load surface are presented for setting the limit for temperature gradient across the panel depth.

Ko, William L.↗

Some notes on the numerical solution of shear-lag and mathematically related problems

The analysis of box beams with shear deformation of the flanges can be reduced to the solution of a differential equation. The same equation is met in other problems of stress analysis. No analytical solutions of this equation can be given for practical cases, and numerical methods of evaluation must be used. Available methods are briefly discussed. Two numerical examples show the application of the step-by-step method of integration to shear-lag problems.

Kuhn, Paul↗

Space Shuttle Main Engine structural analysis and data reduction/evaluation. Volume 6: Primary nozzle diffuser analysis

The primary nozzle diffuser routes fuel from the main fuel valve on the Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) to the nozzle coolant inlet mainfold, main combustion chamber coolant inlet mainfold, chamber coolant valve, and the augmented spark igniters. The diffuser also includes the fuel system purge check valve connection. A static stress analysis was performed on the diffuser because no detailed analysis was done on this part in the past. Structural concerns were in the area of the welds because approximately 10 percent are in areas inaccessible by X-ray testing devices. Flow dynamics and thermodynamics were not included in the analysis load case. Constant internal pressure at maximum SSME power was used instead. A three-dimensional, finite element method was generated using ANSYS version 4.3A on the Lockheed VAX 11/785 computer to perform the stress computations. IDEAS Supertab on a Sun 3/60 computer was used to create the finite element model. Rocketdyne drawing number RS009156 was used for the model interpretation. The flight diffuser is denoted as -101. A description of the model, boundary conditions/load case, material properties, structural analysis/results, and a summary are included for documentation.

Foley, Michael J.↗

Thermal Ratcheting Analysis of TEDS Packed-bed Thermocline Energy Storage Tank - Modeling Methodology and Data Validation

This report investigates numerical modeling methods for thermal ratcheting analysis of packed-bed thermal energy storage (TES) tank and discusses the validation results via comparison with experimental data. The experimental data obtained from various design characteristics of packed-bed thermocline tanks, including the Thermal Energy Distribution System (TEDS) TES tank at Idaho National Laboratory (INL), were used to validate thermal and mechanical models developed in this study to evaluate the thermal ratcheting potential. The thermal model was shown to predict the transient thermal propagation through the packed-bed thermocline tanks generally well. However, a larger discrepancy was observed during the comparison with the data from TEDS, presumably due to the uncertainty of boundary conditions given from the experiment. Based on the comparative study between the thermal model predictions and experimental data of various packed-bed thermocline tanks, potential improvements were suggested for the future TEDS experiments for more precise validation study. For mechanical (thermally induced stress) analysis, two different modeling approaches were tested to evaluate hoop stress applied to the packed-bed TES tank wall, which is a major cause of thermal ratcheting process: (i) infinite rigidity model and (ii) Drucker-Prager (DP) model. The ‘model (i)’ is a conservative method with infinite rigidity assumption of granular filler inside a TES tank, whereas the ‘model (ii)’ is a method that takes into account more realistic processes such as thermal expansion of filler and tank wall as well as inter-particle interactions during the cyclic operation of a packed-bed TES tank. The validity of each modeling method was examined by comparing the numerical simulation with the experimental data obtained from the packed-bed TES tank for Solar One pilot plant. Then, the effects of various model parameters were discussed to evaluate the thermal ratcheting potential of the TEDS TES tank. The preliminary thermal ratcheting analysis implies that the TEDS TES tank will hold its structural integrity during the normal operation cycles.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗