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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
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1999

Crack Growth Prediction Methodology for Multi-Site Damage: Layered Analysis and Growth During Plasticity

A finite element program has been developed to perform quasi-static, elastic-plastic crack growth simulations. The model provides a general framework for mixed-mode I/II elastic-plastic fracture analysis using small strain assumptions and plane stress, plane strain, and axisymmetric finite elements. Cracks are modeled explicitly in the mesh. As the cracks propagate, automatic remeshing algorithms delete the mesh local to the crack tip, extend the crack, and build a new mesh around the new tip. State variable mapping algorithms transfer stresses and displacements from the old mesh to the new mesh. The von Mises material model is implemented in the context of a non-linear Newton solution scheme. The fracture criterion is the critical crack tip opening displacement, and crack direction is predicted by the maximum tensile stress criterion at the crack tip. The implementation can accommodate multiple curving and interacting cracks. An additional fracture algorithm based on nodal release can be used to simulate fracture along a horizontal plane of symmetry. A core of plane strain elements can be used with the nodal release algorithm to simulate the triaxial state of stress near the crack tip. Verification and validation studies compare analysis results with experimental data and published three-dimensional analysis results. Fracture predictions using nodal release for compact tension, middle-crack tension, and multi-site damage test specimens produced accurate results for residual strength and link-up loads. Curving crack predictions using remeshing/mapping were compared with experimental data for an Arcan mixed-mode specimen. Loading angles from 0 degrees to 90 degrees were analyzed. The maximum tensile stress criterion was able to predict the crack direction and path for all loading angles in which the material failed in tension. Residual strength was also accurately predicted for these cases.

James, Mark Anthony↗
NASA NTRS2002

Studies on Stress-Strain Relationships of Polymeric Materials Used in Space Applications

A two-year research plan was undertaken in association with Polymers Branch, NASA Glenn Research Center, to carry out experimental and modeling work relating stress and strain behavior of polymeric materials, especially elastomers and vulcanized rubber. An experimental system based on MTS (Mechanical Testing and Simulation) A/T-4 test facility environment has been developed for a broader range of polymeric materials in addition to a design of laser compatible temperature control chamber for online measurements of various strains. Necessary material processing has been accomplished including rubber compounding and thermoplastic elastomer processing via injection molding. A broad suite of testing methodologies has been identified to reveal the complex non-linear mechanical behaviors of rubbery materials when subjected to complex modes of deformation. This suite of tests required the conceptualization, design and development of new specimen geometries, test fixtures, and test systems including development of a new laser based technique to measure large multi-axial deformations. Test data has been generated for some of these new fixtures and has revealed some complex coupling effects generated during multi-axial deformations. In addition, fundamental research has been conducted concerning the foundation principles of rubber thermodynamics and resulting theories of rubber elasticity. Studies have been completed on morphological properties of several thermoplastic elastomers. Finally, a series of steps have been identified to further advance the goals of NASA's ongoing effort.

Jana, Sadhan C.↗
NASA NTRS2008

Modeling Creep Effects within SiC/SiC Turbine Components

Anticipating the implementation of advanced SiC/SiC ceramic composites into the hot section components of future gas turbine engines, the primary objective of this on-going study is to develop physics-based analytical and finite-element modeling tools to predict the effects of constituent creep on SiC/SiC component service life. A second objective is to understand how to possibly select and manipulate constituent materials, processes, and geometries in order to minimize these effects. In initial studies aimed at SiC/SiC components experiencing through-thickness stress gradients, creep models were developed that allowed an understanding of detrimental residual stress effects that can develop globally within the component walls. It was assumed that the SiC/SiC composites behaved as isotropic visco-elastic materials with temperature-dependent creep behavior as experimentally measured in-plane in the fiber direction of advanced thin-walled 2D SiC/SiC panels. The creep models and their key results are discussed assuming state-of-the-art SiC/SiC materials within a simple cylindrical thin-walled tubular structure, which is currently being employed to model creep-related effects for turbine airfoil leading edges subjected to through-thickness thermal stress gradients. Improvements in the creep models are also presented which focus on constituent behavior with more realistic non-linear stress dependencies in order to predict such key creep-related SiC/SiC properties as time-dependent matrix stress, constituent creep and content effects on composite creep rates and rupture times, and stresses on fiber and matrix during and after creep.

DiCarlo, J. A.↗
DOE OSTI2021

A new coupled multiphase flow–finite strain deformation–fault slip framework for induced seismicity

Production of hydrocarbons and water from subsurface reservoirs are known to cause permanent deformation of the reservoir and seismicity along faults both of which are detrimental to sustainable development of natural resources. Most of the prior studies on understanding fluid flow-induced plasticity and seismicity have focused on one or the other phenomenon due to the numerical difficulty associated with simultaneous modeling of the two failure phenomena because stress and deformation evolve non-linearly in both plasticity and seismicity. However, in reservoirs undergoing long-term production, plastic failure can alter the stress paths of points on a fault such that the onset, location, and magnitude of actual seismic events can no longer be predicted by a poroelastic simulation due to inaccurate stress and deformation history. We present a computational framework for coupled multiphase flow, finite strain poroplastic deformation, and dynamic fault slip and use it to understand the impact of plastic deformation on the onset, location, and magnitude of induced fault slip events. We evaluate the impact of plasticity on reservoir pressure, deformation, induced stress, and fault slip by comparing infinitesimal strain elastic and finite strain poro-elastoplastic models. For real-world applications, we consider different scenarios where the reservoir is either mechanically weaker or stronger than the caprock. We analyze the stress evolution as a function of the change in reservoir pressure to understand the role of contrast in reservoir and caprock elastic moduli on geomechanical stability. The results show that the poroplastic reservoir exhibits larger vertical deformation and delayed slip than the poroelastic reservoir after the same amount of oil production. For the same amount of pressure drop, a reservoir with a smaller modulus than the caprock displays a larger vertical displacement and an earlier onset of both plastic failure and fault slip. For a reservoir with a larger modulus than the caprock, vertical displacement is larger on the reservoir top boundary and smaller on the ground surface, and a higher pressure drop is needed to induce plastic failure and fault slip.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2022

Price response of waste resources under demand shocks: four case studies

To quantify potential price changes of waste feedstocks that may be caused by increased demand, this study explored four case studies: 1) recyclable materials at local waste collection and recycling facilities in seven US states, 2) recyclable materials on internationally traded markets, 3) a wood-powered plant in Reading, PA, and 4) an MSW-powered plant in Tulsa, OK. The four case studies provided a total of ninety-one waste material price observations yielding twenty-seven price-supply relationships expressed as price elasticity of supply (PES) and unit price change with change in demand. For the two case studies related to recyclable materials with a global market shock, price changes vary widely from $0.08-$7.84 per ton with each percent change in demand. For the two case studies related to local market shocks in biomass used for energy, observed price changes range from $0.08-$0.23 per ton per percent change in demand. Based on these results, a base range of $0.10-$0.20 per ton per percent change in demand is recommended for local market shocks. I.e., for a facility that collects organic wastes on the order of 200,000-400,000 tons per year at price near zero, a doubling of demand could increase procurement prices by about $10.00-$20.00 per ton. Actual price changes with respect to change in demand may be non-linear. Shocks with broader geographic extent may increase price response due to a reduced opportunity for surrounding markets to mitigate localized market changes.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗
NASA NTRS2017

A Review of the Proposed K (sub Isi) Offset-Secant Method for Size-Independent Linear-Elastic Toughness Evaluation

The proposed size-independent linear-elastic fracture toughness, K (sub Isi), for potential inclusion in ASTM E399 targets a consistent 0.5 millimeters crack extension for all specimen sizes through an offset secant that is a function of the specimen ligament length. The K (sub Isi) method also includes an increase in allowable deformation, and the removal of the P (sub max)/P (sub Q) criterion. A finite element study of the K (sub Isi) test method confirms the viability of the increased deformation limit, but has also revealed a few areas of concern. Findings: 1. The deformation limit, b (sub o) greater than or equal to 1.1 times (K (sub I) divided by delta (sub ys) squared) maintains a K-dominant crack tip field with limited plastic contribution to the fracture energy; 2. The three dimensional effects on compliance and the shape of the force versus CMOD (Crack-Mouth Opening Displacement) trace are significant compared to a plane strain assumption; 3. The non-linearity in the force versus CMOD trace at deformations higher than the current limit of 2.5 times (K (sub I) divided by delta (sub ys) squared) is sufficient to introduce error or even "false calls" regarding crack extension when using a constant offset secant line. This issue is more significant for specimens with W (width) greater than or equal to 2 inches; 4. A non-linear plasticity correction factor in the offset secant may improve the viability of the method at deformations between 2.5 times (K (sub I) divided by delta (sub ys) squared) and 1.1 times (K (sub I) divided by delta (sub ys) squared).

James, Mark↗
DOE OSTI2026

Proliferated Resilient Economical Half-Meter Aperture Space Telescopes (PREEMPT)

The PREEMPT LDRD was motivated by a major national need for better space-based imaging systems that are both high performing and affordable for the US Government. Current optical payloads for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) and space domain awareness (SDA) missions can cost hundreds of millions of dollars and take years to develop, which makes it difficult to build the large constellations required for persistent, world-wide coverage. To address this, the team aimed to advance a different kind of large-aperture (>25 cm) telescope, called a monolithic telescope, in which key optical surfaces are built into a single piece of fused silica. This design greatly reduces payload and spacecraft complexity, the need for precision focus actuators, improves mechanical and thermal robustness, and lowers cost when compared with traditional Cassegrain telescopes that rely on many precisely aligned components. The project focused on five primary thrusts. The first thrust was to advance the concept of a V10, 25 cm, monolithic telescope forward from optical design to flight-ready stage. This was accomplished in partnership with Optimax, who delivered the first test unit in the early stages of the LDRD. The team developed several technologies necessary for this optic to be integrated into a flight demonstration. These include carbon fiber housings, highly detailed structural and thermal models and stress-reducing elastic averaging Hirth groove designs. These technologies resulted in a successful maturation of the optic, which is now slated to fly in late 2026/early 2027 for a demonstration mission. The second thrust was to advance the manufacturability of these optics. In collaboration with NIF’s optical manufacturing shop, we reduced polishing time from 480 hours to 65 hours through the implementation of optimized processes and new tools. The NIF team utilized a conceptual V8 (18 cm) optic to demonstrate this optimization, though it can be applied to the rest of the monolithic optic portfolio. Third, the team developed the first conceptual V20 (50 cm) payload, which is slated to be the next generation of LLNL optical payload systems. A set of structural, dynamic and thermal simulations were performed to identify potential challenges in the future development of this payload. Early-stage simulations suggest the payload is feasible, though thermal management will be the key focus area to maintain optimal performance. Fourth, a non-linear model of Viton was developed, to further enhance the reliability of our structural and dynamic models for future payloads. Viton acts as the primary interface material between the optic and its housing. Lastly, the team focused on successfully displaying the feasibility of using additively manufactured metal composites for optical space payloads. The team successfully demonstrated layer by layer deposition of Al-SiC composites, which have highly tunable structural and coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) properties. These are crucial for optical payloads because CTE mismatch is one of the causes for degraded optical performance for telescopes in orbit. Overall, the work showed that monolithic telescopes could become a practical, lower-cost path to high-resolution space imaging for both national security and scientific missions.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2021

A generalized machine learning workflow to visualize mechanical discontinuity

Accurate detection and mapping of mechanical discontinuity in materials has widespread industrial and research applications. Herein, we developed a generalized machine-learning framework for visualizing single mechanical discontinuity embedded in material of any composition, velocity, density, porosity, and size with limited data. The proposed visualization of discontinuity requires accurate estimations of the length, location, and orientation of the embedded discontinuity by processing multipoint wave-transmission measurements. k-Wave simulator is used to create a large dataset of elastic waveforms recorded during multi-point wave-transmission measurements through materials containing single mechanical discontinuity. k-Wave simulator considers the wave attenuation, dispersion, and mode conversion in wave motion. Discrete wavelet transform (DWT) and statistical feature extraction are essential for data preprocessing prior to the data-driven model development. DWT also minimizes the effect of noise. Using hyper-parameter tuning and cross validation, gradient boosting regression can visualize the mechanical discontinuity with an accuracy of 0.85, in terms of coefficient of determination. A double-layered neural network-based regression has better performance with an accuracy of 0.95. Use of convolutional neural network converts the predictive task from a waveform processing to an image processing problem. Convolutional neural network achieved a generalization performance of 0.91. The proposed generalized workflow requires robust simulation of wave propagation, signal processing, feature engineering, and model evaluation. Sensors closest to the source and those located opposite the source are the most significant for the desired visualization. Notably, the sensors closest to the source capture the non-linear associations, whereas the sensor on the border opposite to the source capture the linear associations between the measured waveforms and the properties of the mechanical discontinuity.

42 ENGINEERING↗
NASA NTRS1997

Ultrasonic Nondestructive Characterization of Adhesive Bonds

Qualitative measurements of adhesion or binding forces can be accomplished, for example, by using the reflection coefficient of an ultrasound or by using thermal waves (Light and Kwun, 1989, Achenbach and Parikh, 1991, and Bostrom and wickham, 1991). However, a quantitative determination of binding forces is rather difficult. It has been observed that higher harmonics of the fundamental frequency are generated when an ultrasound passes through a nonlinear material. It seems that such non-linearity can be effectively used to characterize the bond strength. Several theories have been developed to model this nonlinear effect (Adler and Nagy, 1991; Achenbach and Parikh, 1991; Parikh and Achenbach, 1992; and Hirose and Kitahara, 1992; Anastasi and Roberts, 1992). Based on a microscopic description of the nonlinear interface binding force, a quantitative method was presented by Pangraz and Arnold (1994). Recently, Tang, Cheng and Achenbach (1997) made a comparison between the experimental and simulated results based on this theoretical model. A water immersion mode-converted shear wave through-transmission setup was used by Berndt and Green (1997) to analyze the nonlinear acoustic behavior of the adhesive bond. In this project, the nonlinear responses of an adhesive joint was investigated through transmission tests of ultrasonic wave and analyzed by the finite element simulations. The higher order harmonics were obtained in the tests. It is found that the amplitude of higher harmonics increases as the aging increases, especially the 3dorder harmonics. Results from the numerical simulation show that the material nonlinearity does indeed generate higher order harmonics. In particular, the elastic-perfect plastic behavior generates significant 3rd and 5th order harmonics.

Qu, Jianmin↗
DOE OSTI2025

Across the Scales of the Nucleus: Understanding Short Range Correlations from Medium Modification to Probe Independence

The atomic nucleus presents an intricate system due to the non-linear forces described by Quantum Chromodynamics (QCD) that govern its structure. The range of scales involved is remarkable; the most massive nuclei weigh approximately five orders of magnitude more than the quarks that compose them. The nucleus can be analyzed at various levels, from quarks to hadrons to the nucleus as a whole. Short-Range Correlations (SRCs) within the nucleus play a significant role that spans these diverse scales. At the most fundamental level, SRCs influence the interaction between nucleons. The nucleon-nucleon (NN) interaction, arising from QCD, is crucial in determining nuclear properties. SRCs serve as valuable probes for measuring this NN interaction, as the nucleons within SRCs become effectively decoupled from the rest of the nucleus. Multiple experimental techniques, including electron scattering, have been employed to investigate the NN interaction through SRCs. However, our first project demonstrates that inclusive measurements alone are inadequate to constrain this interaction fully. Moving to the scale of the nucleus, SRCs contribute to the high-momentum tail of the nuclear spectral function. While the low-momentum region is characterized by nucleons exhibiting bulk properties, nucleons begin to pair into SRCs at higher momenta. Our research aims to bridge the understanding between the mean-field portion of the nucleus and its high-momentum SRC components. Additionally, SRCs affect the quark structure of protons, as evidenced by the EMC effect, which indicates that quarks behave differently when protons are embedded within a nucleus—an effect referred to as medium modification. This thesis explores the correlation between SRCs and medium modification across various experimental setups. Finally, we seek to establish an interpretation of the nuclear ground state. Accomplishing this requires demonstrating that our SRC observables are independent of the probe’s scale and scheme. The concluding project of this thesis illustrates how we utilize triple coincidence quasi-elastic scattering across a range of (Q2) values to develop a model-dependent framework for understanding SRC distributions within the nucleus’s ground-state wavefunction.

Denniston, A. W. Denniston [University of Tel Aviv↗
DOE OSTI2020

Meso-scale modeling and damage analysis of carbon/epoxy woven fabric composite under in-plane tension and compression loadings

The mechanical properties and damage behaviors of carbon/epoxy woven fabric composite under in-plane tension and compression are studied at the meso-scale level through experiment and simulation. An efficient representative volume element (RVE) modeling method with consistent mesh, high yarn volume fraction and realistic geometry is proposed. The material constitutive laws with plasticity, tension-compression asymmetry and damage evolution are established for the three components - yarn, matrix and interface, respectively. Significantly different mechanical properties and damage evolutions are observed depending on loading conditions and initial geometry characteristics. It shows a non-linear stress-strain curve with clear transition region and intensive damage in tension, while a quasi-linear behavior up to facture is observed in compression with little damage prior to final fracture. Furthermore, compared to the constant Poisson's ratio with straining in compression, a dramatic increase in Poisson's ratio appears in tension. Simulation shows damage mechanisms including transverse damage, matrix damage and delamination, which all play critical roles in the property evolution. In particular, the rapid damage accumulation after elastic deformation destroys the strong bonds and causes the easy deformation of transverse yarns which results in the transition region and large Poisson's ratio in tension. All the mechanical behaviors and damage evolutions are well captured and explained with the current RVE model.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2022

A mixed, unified forward/inverse framework for earthquake problems: fault implementation and coseismic slip estimate

SUMMARY We introduce a new finite-element (FE) based computational framework to solve forward and inverse elastic deformation problems for earthquake faulting via the adjoint method. Based on two advanced computational libraries, FEniCS and hIPPYlib for the forward and inverse problems, respectively, this framework is flexible, transparent and easily extensible. We represent a fault discontinuity through a mixed FE elasticity formulation, which approximates the stress with higher order accuracy and exposes the prescribed slip explicitly in the variational form without using conventional split node and decomposition discrete approaches. This also allows the first order optimality condition, that is the vanishing of the gradient, to be expressed in continuous form, which leads to consistent discretizations of all field variables, including the slip. We show comparisons with the standard, pure displacement formulation and a model containing an in-plane mode II crack, whose slip is prescribed via the split node technique. We demonstrate the potential of this new computational framework by performing a linear coseismic slip inversion through adjoint-based optimization methods, without requiring computation of elastic Green’s functions. Specifically, we consider a penalized least squares formulation, which in a Bayesian setting—under the assumption of Gaussian noise and prior—reflects the negative log of the posterior distribution. The comparison of the inversion results with a standard, linear inverse theory approach based on Okada’s solutions shows analogous results. Preliminary uncertainties are estimated via eigenvalue analysis of the Hessian of the penalized least squares objective function. Our implementation is fully open-source and Jupyter notebooks to reproduce our results are provided. The extension to a fully Bayesian framework for detailed uncertainty quantification and non-linear inversions, including for heterogeneous media earthquake problems, will be analysed in a forthcoming paper.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2022

Bifurcation Buckling Analysis and Non-Linear Collapse Analysis of Teardrop Shaped Vacuum Chamber

The Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) accelerator is being upgraded to increase the beam power from 1.4MW at 1GeV to 2.8MW at 1.3GeV. The currents in the middle two injection chicane magnets cannot simply be scaled up to accommodate the increased injection energy of 1.3GeV due to potential excessive H- stripping; the magnets must be replaced with longer, lower-field magnets and the associated vacuum chambers need to be redesigned. A new teardrop-shaped vacuum chamber was initially designed to accommodate the new magnets and the updated beam paths and instrumentation. This paper focuses on the structural stability study of the teardrop shape vacuum chamber based on buckling analysis. Protection against collapse from buckling according to the ASME BPVC requirement has been evaluated in depth. First, a Type-1 bifurcation buckling analysis using a linear eigenvalue solution to determine the critical load factor was performed. Subsequently, a Type-3 nonlinear collapse analysis was conducted using the static Riks method with elastic-plastic material properties and imperfections explicitly considered in the model geometry. The critical buckling load for the teardrop shape vacuum chamber was confidently estimated based upon this two-stage approach.

Jiang, Hao↗
DOE OSTI2021

Semi-supervised Bayesian Low-shot Learning

Deep neural networks (NNs) typically outperform traditional machine learning (ML) approaches for complicated, non-linear tasks. It is expected that deep learning (DL) should offer superior performance for the important non-proliferation task of predicting explosive device configuration based upon observed optical signature, a task which human experts struggle with. However, supervised machine learning is difficult to apply in this mission space because most recorded signatures are not associated with the corresponding device description, or “truth labels.” This is challenging for NNs, which traditionally require many samples for strong performance. Semi-supervised learning (SSL), low-shot learning (LSL), and uncertainty quantification (UQ) for NNs are emerging approaches that could bridge the mission gaps of few labels and rare samples of importance. NN explainability techniques are important in gaining insight into the inferential feature importance of such a complex model. In this work, SSL, LSL, and UQ are merged into a single framework, a significant technical hurdle not previously demonstrated. Exponential Average Adversarial Training (EAAT) and Pairwise Neural Networks (PNNs) are chosen as the SSL and LSL methods of choice. Permutation feature importance (PFI) for functional data is used to provide explainability via the Variable importance Explainable Elastic Shape Analysis (VEESA) pipeline. A variety of uncertainty quantification approaches are explored: Bayesian Neural Networks (BNNs), ensemble methods, concrete dropout, and evidential deep learning. Two final approaches, one utilizing ensemble methods and one utilizing evidential learning, are constructed and compared using a well-quantified synthetic 2D dataset along with the DIRSIG Megascene.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗
NASA NTRS1996

Droplet Deformation in an Extensional Flow: The Role of Surfactant Physical Chemistry

Surfactant-induced Marangoni effects strongly alter the stresses exerted along fluid particle interfaces. In low gravity processes, these stresses can dictate the system behavior. The dependence of Marangoni effects on surfactant physical chemistry is not understood, severely impacting our ability to predict and control fluid particle flows. A droplet in an extensional flow allows the controlled study of stretching and deforming interfaces. The deformations of the drop allow both Marangoni stresses, which resist tangential shear, and Marangoni elasticities, which resist surface dilatation, to develop. This flow presents an ideal model system for studying these effects. Prior surfactant-related work in this flow considered a linear dependence of the surface tension on the surface concentration, valid only at dilute surface concentrations, or a non-linear framework at concentrations sufficiently dilute that the linear approximation was valid. The linear framework becomes inadequate for several reasons. The finite dimensions of surfactant molecules must be taken into account with a model that includes surfaces saturation. Nonideal interactions between adsorbed surfactant molecules alter the partitioning of surfactant between the bulk and the interface, the dynamics of surfactant adsorptive/desorptive exchange, and the sensitivity of the surface tension to adsorbed surfactant. For example, cohesion between hydrocarbon chains favors strong adsorption. Cohesion also slows the rate of desorption from interfaces, and decreases the sensitivity of the surface tension to adsorbed surfactant. Strong cohesive interactions result in first order surface phase changes with a plateau in the surface tension vs surface concentration. Within this surface concentration range, the surface tension is decoupled from surface concentration gradients. We are engaged in the study of the role of surfactant physical chemistry in determining the Marangoni stresses on a drop in an extensional flow in a numerical and experimental program. Using surfactants whose dynamics and equilibrium behavior have been characterized in our laboratory, drop deformation will be studied in ground-based experiment. In an accompanying numerical study, predictive drop deformations will be determined based on the isotherm and equation of state determined in our laboratory. This work will improve our abilities to predict and control all fluid particle flows.

Stebe, Kathleen J.↗
NASA NTRS2001

Integrated Modeling for the Next Generation Space Telescope "Yardstick" Concept

The so-called NASA "Yardstick" design concept for the Next Generation Space Telescope presents unique challenges for systems-level analysis. Simulations that integrate controls, optics, thermal, and structural models are required to evaluate baseline performance, study design sensitivities, and perform design optimization. An integrated modeling approach was chosen using a combination of commercial off-the-shelf and "in-house" developed codes. The resulting capability provides a foundation for linear and non-linear analysis, using both the time and frequency-domain methods. It readily allows various combinations of design parameters and environmental loads to be evaluated directly in terms of key science-related metrics, in this case the scalar RMS (root mean square) line-of-sight and RMS wavefront errors. This presentation first addresses the development of the component, or discipline, models for the Yardstick design. It will then proceed to present the integration of the component models, using linear-systems approaches, in order to support two of the most critical baseline performance analyses: jitter and thermal-elastic stability of the optical telescope assembly (OTA). The results of the jitter analysis indicate that disturbances from the reaction wheels coupled with the lightly-damped and highly-flexible structure present significant challenges to the baseline line-of-sight control architecture. Vibration isolation will be required to meet jitter error requirements. The results of the thermal-elastic analysis indicate that the mirror segment displacements due to ground-to-orbit cool-down of the telescope are within the expected capture range of the segment rigid-body control actuators. This means we will be able to align and phase the primary mirror. However, the results for the analysis of the thermal transient response following an attitude maneuver (slew) show that this telescope design is not sufficiently stable, passively, to meet the wavefront error requirements. Structural re-design is one possibility; alternatively, active thermal control of the OTA may be considered. The Yardstick integrated models were successfully used to demonstrate the feasibility of two thermal control strategies.

Mosier, Gary E.↗
NASA NTRS2017

Imaging a Free-Geometry Magma Reservoir Using FEM-Based Linear Inverse Modeling of InSAR Data: Application to Rabaul Caldera, Papua New Guinea

We test an innovative inversion scheme using Green’s functions from an array of pressure sources embedded in finite-element method (FEM) models to image, without assuming an a-priori geometry, the composite and complex shape of a volcano deformation source. We invert interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) data to estimate the pressurization and shape of the magma reservoir of Rabaul caldera, Papua New Guinea. The results image the extended shallow magmatic system responsible for a broad and long-term subsidence of the caldera between 2007 February and 2010 December. Elastic FEM solutions are integrated into the regularized linear inversion of InSAR data of volcano surface displacements in order to obtain a 3-D image of the source of deformation. The Green’s function matrix is constructed from a library of forward line-of-sight displacement solutions for a grid of cubic elementary deformation sources. Each source is sequentially generated by removing the corresponding cubic elements from a common meshed domain and simulating the injection of a fluid mass flux into the cavity, which results in a pressurization and volumetric change of the fluidfilled cavity. The use of a single mesh for the generation of all FEM models avoids the computationally expensive process of non-linear inversion and remeshing a variable geometry domain. Without assuming an a-priori source geometry other than the configuration of the 3-D grid that generates the library of Green’s functions, the geodetic data dictate the geometry of the magma reservoir as a 3-D distribution of pressure (or flux of magma) within the source array. The inversion of InSAR data of Rabaul caldera shows a distribution of interconnected sources forming an amorphous, shallow magmatic system elongated under two opposite sides of the caldera. The marginal areas at the sides of the imaged magmatic system are the possible feeding reservoirs of the ongoing Tavurvur volcano eruption of andesitic products on the east side and of the past Vulcan volcano eruptions of more evolved materials on the west side. The interconnection and spatial distributions of sources correspond to the petrography of the volcanic products described in the literature and to the dynamics of the single and twin eruptions that characterize the caldera. The ability to image the complex geometry of deformation sources in both space and time can improve our ability to monitor active volcanoes, widen our understanding of the dynamics of active volcanic systems and improve the predictions of eruptions.

Inverse theory↗
NASA NTRS2017

Imaging the Complex Geometry of a Magma Reservoir Using Fem-Based Linear Inverse Modeling of InSAR Data: Application to Rabaul Caldera, Papua New Guinea

We test an innovative inversion scheme using Green’s functions from an array of pressure sources embedded in finite-element method (FEM) models to image, without assuming an a-priori geometry, the composite and complex shape of a volcano deformation source. We invert interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) data to estimate the pressurization and shape of the magma reservoir of Rabaul caldera, Papua New Guinea. The results image the extended shallow magmatic system responsible for a broad and long-term subsidence of the caldera between 2007 February and 2010 December. Elastic FEM solutions are integrated into the regularized linear inversion of InSAR data of volcano surface displacements in order to obtain a 3-D image of the source of deformation. The Green’s function matrix is constructed from a library of forward line-of-sight displacement solutions for a grid of cubic elementary deformation sources. Each source is sequentially generated by removing the corresponding cubic elements from a common meshed domain and simulating the injection of a fluid mass flux into the cavity, which results in a pressurization and volumetric change of the fluid-filled cavity. The use of a single mesh for the generation of all FEM models avoids the computationally expensive process of non-linear inversion and remeshing a variable geometry domain. Without assuming an a-priori source geometry other than the configuration of the 3-D grid that generates the library of Green’s functions, the geodetic data dictate the geometry of the magma reservoir as a 3-D distribution of pressure (or flux of magma) within the source array. The inversion of InSAR data of Rabaul caldera shows a distribution of interconnected sources forming an amorphous, shallow magmatic system elongated under two opposite sides of the caldera. The marginal areas at the sides of the imaged magmatic system are the possible feeding reservoirs of the ongoing Tavurvur volcano eruption of andesitic products on the east side and of the past Vulcan volcano eruptions of more evolved materials on the west side. The interconnection and spatial distributions of sources correspond to the petrography of the volcanic products described in the literature and to the dynamics of the single and twin eruptions that characterize the caldera. The ability to image the complex geometry of deformation sources in both space and time can improve our ability to monitor active volcanoes, widen our understanding of the dynamics of active volcanic systems and improve the predictions of eruptions.

Inverse theory↗