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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 73 records · Page 4

Summary of Voyager Design and Flight Loads

Estimates of flight loads for Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 are summarized and compared to the Voyager design loads obtained from the shock spectra/impedance method and to the loads obtained using space vehicle transient loads analysis. These estimates were obtained by using the measured flight accelerations at the launch vehicle/spacecraft interface as forcing functions for the Voyager mathematical model. Based on these data, an assessment of the shock spectra/impedance loads method used for Voyager is presented. The following conclusions were reached: (1) the shock spectra approach provided reasonable conservative design loads for Voyager, (2) care has to be executed to insure that all critical events are accounted for in constructing shock spectra envelopes, (3) the selection of critical events is not always obvious, especially for those flight events wherein the spacecraft dynamic characteristics are important, and (4) the success of the method is strongly dependent on the analysts' experience and judgement.

Chen, J. C.↗

Parachute mortar design.

Mortars are used as one method for ejecting parachutes into the airstream to decelerate spacecraft and aircraft pilot escape modules and to effect spin recovery of the aircraft. An approach to design of mortars in the class that can accommodate parachutes in the 20- to 55-foot-diameter size is presented. Parachute deployment considerations are discussed. Comments are made on the design of a power unit, mortar tube, cover, and sabot. Propellant selection and breech characteristics and size are discussed. A method of estimating hardware weights and reaction load is presented. In addition, some aspects of erodible orifices are given as well as comments concerning ambient effects on performance. This paper collates data and experience from design and flight qualification of four mortar systems, and provides pertinent estimations that should be of interest on programs considering parachute deployment.

Pleasants, J. E.↗

A survey of load methodologies for shuttle orbiter payloads

Loads methods currently being used to design shuttle orbiter payloads are summarized. Methods used for the design of payloads launched by expendable launch vehicles are described in historical perspective. Experiences gained from expendable launch vehicle payloads are used to develop methodologies for the space shuttle orbiter payloads. The objectives for the development of a new methodology for the shuttle payloads are to reduce the cost and schedule for the payload load analysis by decoupling the payload analysis from the launch vehicle to the maximum extent possible. Methods are described for payload member load estimation or obtaining upper bounds for dynamic loads, as well as load prediction or calculating actual transient member load time histories.

Chen, J. C.↗

A survey of load methodologies for shuttle orbiter payloads

Loads methods currently being used to design planetary spacecraft to be launched on the shuttle orbiter are summarized. Experiences gained from expendable launch vehicle payloads are used to develop methodologies for the space shuttle orbiter payloads. The objectives for the development of a new methodology for the shuttle payloads are to reduce the cost and schedule for the payload load analysis by decoupling the payload analysis from the launch vehicle to the maximum extent possible. Methods are described for payload member load estimation or obtaining upper bounds for dynamic loads, as well as load prediction or calculating actual transient member load time histories.

Chen, J. C.↗

A Review of Spectral Methods for Variable Amplitude Fatigue Prediction and New Results

A comprehensive review of the available methods for estimating fatigue damage from variable amplitude loading is presented. The dependence of fatigue damage accumulation on power spectral density (psd) is investigated for random processes relevant to real structures such as in offshore or aerospace applications. Beginning with the Rayleigh (or narrow band) approximation, attempts at improved approximations or corrections to the Rayleigh approximation are examined by comparison to rainflow analysis of time histories simulated from psd functions representative of simple theoretical and real world applications. Spectral methods investigated include corrections by Wirsching and Light, Ortiz and Chen, the Dirlik formula, and the Single-Moment method, among other more recent proposed methods. Good agreement is obtained between the spectral methods and the time-domain rainflow identification for most cases, with some limitations. Guidelines are given for using the several spectral methods to increase confidence in the damage estimate.

Larsen, Curtis E.↗

Method for estimating crack-extension resistance curve from residual strength data

A method is presented for estimating the crack extension resistance curve (R curve) from residual strength (maximum load against initial crack length) data for precracked fracture specimens. The method allows additional information to be inferred from simple test results, and that information is used to estimate the failure loads of more complicated structures. Numerical differentiation of the residual strength data is required, and the problems that it may present are discussed.

Orange, T. W.↗

Estimation of the Tritium Isotope Effect inthe SAS Compressor Bed 1 Material (LANA10)

A recent report presented a method to estimate the SAS Compressor Bed 1 (SAS CB1) loading level, in Q/M units, based on measured equilibrium pressure and temperature where the material was clearly loaded into the β-phase. This method requires the use of the equilibrium desorption isotherm plateau pressure, but no data exists to specify that value at this time. This report details a previously unreported investigation into tritium isotope effects on plateau pressure of a closely related material, herein called LANA05, conducted in the 1989-to-1993 time frame by then-SRL (Savannah River Laboratory) researchers. Data from that investigation is used to estimate the tritium isotope effect on plateau pressure in the SAS CB1 virgin LANA10 material by constructing a tritium van’t Hoff plot for LANA10 that mimics the isotope behavior in LANA05.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Multispectral impedance determination under dynamic load conditions

Impedance testing devices, circuits, systems, and related methods are disclosed. A method may include exciting a device coupled to a load, and capturing a response of the device. The method may further include adjusting the response based on an estimated load response of the device, and estimating an impedance of the device based on the adjusted response.

Christophersen, Jon P.↗

Development of a Practical Methodology for Elastic-Plastic and Fully Plastic Fatigue Crack Growth

A practical engineering methodology has been developed to analyze and predict fatigue crack growth rates under elastic-plastic and fully plastic conditions. The methodology employs the closure-corrected effective range of the J-integral, delta J(sub eff) as the governing parameter. The methodology contains original and literature J and delta J solutions for specific geometries, along with general methods for estimating J for other geometries and other loading conditions, including combined mechanical loading and combined primary and secondary loading. The methodology also contains specific practical algorithms that translate a J solution into a prediction of fatigue crack growth rate or life, including methods for determining crack opening levels, crack instability conditions, and material properties. A critical core subset of the J solutions and the practical algorithms has been implemented into independent elastic-plastic NASGRO modules. All components of the entire methodology, including the NASGRO modules, have been verified through analysis and experiment, and limits of applicability have been identified.

McClung, R. C.↗

Development of a Practical Methodology for Elastic-Plastic and Fully Plastic Fatigue Crack Growth

A practical engineering methodology has been developed to analyze and predict fatigue crack growth rates under elastic-plastic and fully plastic conditions. The methodology employs the closure-corrected effective range of the J-integral, (Delta)J(sub eff), as the governing parameter. The methodology contains original and literature J and (Delta)J solutions for specific geometries, along with general methods for estimating J for other geometries and other loading conditions, including combined mechanical loading and combined primary and secondary loading. The methodology also contains specific practical algorithms that translate a J solution into a prediction of fatigue crack growth rate or life, including methods for determining crack opening levels, crack instability conditions, and material properties. A critical core subset of the J solutions and the practical algorithms has been implemented into independent elastic-plastic NASGRO modules. All components of the entire methodology, including the NASGRO modules, have been verified through analysis and experiment, and limits of applicability have been identified.

McClung, R. C.↗

Estimating the number of terrestrial organisms on the moon.

Methods used to obtain estimates for the biological loadings on moon bound spacecraft prior to launch are reviewed, along with the mathematical models used to calculate the microorganism density on the lunar surface (such as it results from contamination deposited by manned and unmanned flights) and the probability of lunar soil sample contamination. Some of the results obtained by the use of a lunar inventory system based on these models are presented.

Dillon, R. T.↗

Vortex maneuver lift for super-cruise configurations

Some of the theoretical and experimental research conducted at the NASA Langley Research Center is presented to investigate the subsonic vortex-lift producing capabilities for two classes of Super-Cruise designs: a close-coupled wing-canard arrangement and a slender wing configuration. In addition, several analytical methods are discussed for estimating critical structural design loads for thin, highly swept wings having separated leading-edge vortex flows.

Campbell, J. F.↗

A Universal Tare Load Prediction Algorithm for Strain-Gage Balance Calibration Data Analysis

An algorithm is discussed that may be used to estimate tare loads of wind tunnel strain-gage balance calibration data. The algorithm was originally developed by R. Galway of IAR/NRC Canada and has been described in the literature for the iterative analysis technique. Basic ideas of Galway's algorithm, however, are universally applicable and work for both the iterative and the non-iterative analysis technique. A recent modification of Galway's algorithm is presented that improves the convergence behavior of the tare load prediction process if it is used in combination with the non-iterative analysis technique. The modified algorithm allows an analyst to use an alternate method for the calculation of intermediate non-linear tare load estimates whenever Galway's original approach does not lead to a convergence of the tare load iterations. It is also shown in detail how Galway's algorithm may be applied to the non-iterative analysis technique. Hand load data from the calibration of a six-component force balance is used to illustrate the application of the original and modified tare load prediction method. During the analysis of the data both the iterative and the non-iterative analysis technique were applied. Overall, predicted tare loads for combinations of the two tare load prediction methods and the two balance data analysis techniques showed excellent agreement as long as the tare load iterations converged. The modified algorithm, however, appears to have an advantage over the original algorithm when absolute voltage measurements of gage outputs are processed using the non-iterative analysis technique. In these situations only the modified algorithm converged because it uses an exact solution of the intermediate non-linear tare load estimate for the tare load iteration.

balance calibration analysis↗

The application of the statistical theory of extreme values to gust-load problems

An analysis is presented which indicates that the statistical theory of extreme values is applicable to the problems of predicting the frequency of encountering the larger gust loads and gust velocities for both specific test conditions as well as commercial transport operations. The extreme-value theory provides an analytic form for the distributions of maximum values of gust load and velocity. Methods of fitting the distribution are given along with a method of estimating the reliability of the predictions. The theory of extreme values is applied to available load data from commercial transport operations. The results indicate that the estimates of the frequency of encountering the larger loads are more consistent with the data and more reliable than those obtained in previous analyses. (author)

Press, Harry↗

Underlying Fundamentals of Kalman Filtering for River Network Modeling

The grand challenge of producing hydrometeorological estimates every time and everywhere has motivated the fusion of sparse observations with dense numerical models, with a particular interest on discharge in river modeling. Ensemble methods are largely preferred as they enable the estimation of error properties, but at the expense of computational load and generally with underestimations. These imperfect stochastic estimates motivate the use of correction methods, that is, error localization and inflation, although the physical justifications for their optimality are limited. The purpose of this study is to use one of the simplest forms of data assimilation when applied to river modeling and reveal the underlying mechanisms impacting its performance. Our framework based on assimilating daily averaged in situ discharge measurements to correct daily averaged runoff was tested over a 4-yr case study of two rivers in Texas. Results show that under optimal conditions of inflation and localization, discharge simulations are consistently improved such that the mean values of Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency are enhanced from211.32 to 0.55 at observed gauges and from212.24 to21.10 at validation gauges. Yet, parameters controlling the inflation and the localization have a large impact on the performance. Further investigations of these sensitivities showed that optimal inflation occurs when compensating exactly for discrepancies in the magnitude of errors while optimal localization matches the distance traveled during one assimilation window. These results may be applicable to more advanced data assimilation methods as well as for larger applications motivated by upcoming river-observing satellite missions, such as NASA’s Surface Water and Ocean Topography mission.

Streamflow↗

A New Multi-Method Assessment of Stratospheric Sulfur Load From the Okmok II Caldera-Forming Eruption of 43 BCE

The 43 BCE eruption of Okmok Volcano has been proposed to have had a significant climate cooling impact in the Northern Hemisphere. In this study, we quantify the climate cooling potential of the Okmok II eruption by measuring sulfur concentration in melt inclusions (up to 1,606 ppm) and matrix glasses and estimate a total of 62 ± 16 Tg S released. The proportion reaching the stratosphere (2.5%–25%, i.e., 1.5–15.5 Tg S) was constrained by physical modeling of the caldera-collapse eruption. Using the NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies E2.2 climate model we found a linear response between cooling and stratospheric sulfur load (0.05–0.08°C/Tg S). Thus, the 1–2°C of cooling derived from proxy records would require 16–32 Tg sulfur injection. This study underscores the importance of combining approaches to estimate stratospheric S load. For Okmok II, we find all methods are consistent with a range of 15–16 Tg S.

volcano-climate interaction↗

Modeling the TetraSpar Floating Offshore Wind Turbine Foundation as a Flexible Structure in OrcaFlex and OpenFAST

Floating offshore wind turbine technology has seen an increasing and continuous development in recent years. When designing the floating platforms, both experimental and numerical tools are applied, with the latter often using time-domain solvers based on hydro-load estimation from a Morison approach or a boundary element method. Commercial software packages such as OrcaFlex, or open-source software such as OpenFAST, are often used where the floater is modeled as a rigid six degree-of-freedom body with loads applied at the center of gravity. However, for final structural design, it is necessary to have information on the distribution of loads over the entire body and to know local internal loads in each component. This paper uses the TetraSpar floating offshore wind turbine design as a case study to examine new modeling approaches in OrcaFlex and OpenFAST that provide this information. The study proves the possibility of applying the approach and the extraction of internal loads, while also presenting an initial code-to-code verification between OrcaFlex and OpenFAST. As can be expected, comparing the flexible model to a rigid-body model proves how motion and loads are affected by the flexibility of the structure. OrcaFlex and OpenFAST generally agree, but there are some differences in results due to different modeling approaches. Since no experimental data are available in the study, this paper only forms a baseline for future studies but still proves and describes the possibilities of the approach and codes.

17 WIND ENERGY↗

Applied transonics at Grumman

A review of several applications of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to various aspects of aerodynamic design recently carried out at Grumman is presented. The emphasis is placed on project-oriented applications where the ease of use of the methods and short start-to-completion times are required. Applications cover transonic wing design/optimization, wing mounted stores load prediction, transonic buffet alleviation, fuselage loads estimation, and compact offset diffuser design for advanced aircraft configurations. Computational methods employed include extended transonic small disturbance (automatic grid embedding) formulation for analysis/design/optimization and a thin layer Navier-Stokes formulation for both external and internal flow analyses.

Davis, W. H.↗