Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “developable planes”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 757 records · Page 42
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1991

Mechanical and analytical screening of braided composites for transport fuselage applications

The mechanics of materials progress in support of the goal of understanding the application of braided composites in a transport aircraft fuselage are summarized. Composites consisting of both 2-D and 3-D braid patterns are investigated. Both consolidation of commingled graphite/PEEK and resin transfer molding of graphite-epoxy braided composite processes are studied. Mechanical tests were used to examine unnotched tension, open hole tension, compression, compression after impact, in-plane shear, out-of-plane tension, bearing, and crippling. Analytical methods are also developed and applied to predict the stiffness and strengths of test specimens. A preliminary study using the test data and analytical results is performed to assess the applicability of braided composites to a commercial aircraft fuselage.

Fedro, Mark J.↗
NASA NTRS1999

The Role of Independent Assessment in the International Space Station Program

This paper presents the role of Independent Assessment in the International Space Station (ISS) Program. Independent Assessment is responsible for identifying and specifying technical and programmatic risks that may impact development, launch, and on-orbit assembly and operations of the ISS. The various phases of the assessment process are identified and explained. This paper also outlines current and future participation by Independent Assessment in Human Exploration and Development of Space projects including the X-38 Space Plane, Mars mission scenarios, and applications of Nanotechnology. This paper describes how Independent Assessment helps the shuttle, ISS, and other programs to safely achieve mission goals now and into the next century.

Strachan, Russell L.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Help for the Steel Industry

A collaboration between NASA Lewis Research Center (LRC) and Gladwin Engineering resulted in the adaptation of aerospace high temperature metal technology to the continuous casting of steel. The continuous process is more efficient because it takes less time and labor. A high temperature material, once used on the X-15 research plane, was applied to metal rollers by a LRC developed spraying technique. Lewis Research Center also supplied mold prototype of metal composites, reducing erosion and promoting thermal conductivity. Rollers that previously cracked due to thermal fatigue, lasted longer. Gladwin's sales have increased, and additional NASA-developed innovations are anticipated.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1958

Application of the Method of Coordinate Perturbation to Unsteady Duct Flow

The method of coordinate perturbation is applied to the unsteady flow of a compressible fluid in ducts of variable cross section. Solutions, in the form of perturbation series, are obtained for unsteady flows in ducts for which the logarithmic derivative of area variation with respect to the space coordinate is a function of the 'smallness' parameter of the perturbation series. This technique is applied to the problem of the interaction of a disturbance and a shock wave in a diffuser flow. It is found that, for a special choice of the function describing the disturbance, the path of the shock wave can be expressed in closed form to first order. The method is then applied to the determination of the flow field behind a shock wave moving on a prescribed path in the x,t-plane. Perturbation series solutions for quite general paths are developed. The perturbation series solutions are compared with the more exact solutions obtained by the application of the method of characteristics. The approximate solutions are shown to be in reasonably accurate agreement with the solutions obtained by the method of characteristics.

Himmel, Seymour C.↗
NASA NTRS2004

Generalization of Equivalent Crystal Theory to Include Angular Dependence

In the original Equivalent Crystal Theory, each atomic site in the real crystal is assigned an equivalent lattice constant, in general different from the ground state one. This parameter corresponds to a local compression or expansion of the lattice. The basic method considers these volumetric transformations and, in addition, introduces the possibility that the reference lattice is anisotropically distorted. These distortions however, were introduced ad-hoc. In this work, we generalize the original Equivalent Crystal Theory by systematically introducing site-dependent directional distortions of the lattice, whose corresponding distortions account for the dependence of the energy on anisotropic local density variations. This is done in the spirit of the original framework, but including a gradient term in the density. This approach is introduced to correct a deficiency in the original Equivalent Crystal Theory and other semiempirical methods in quantitatively obtaining the correct ratios of the surface energies of low index planes of cubic metals (100), (110), and (111). We develop here the basic framework, and apply it to the calculation of Fe (110) and Fe (111) surface energy formation. The results, compared with first principles calculations, show an improvement over previous semiempirical approaches.

Ferrante, John↗
NASA NTRS1994

Accurate Simulation of Acoustic Emission Sources in Composite Plates

Acoustic emission (AE) signals propagate as the extensional and flexural plate modes in thin composite plates and plate-like geometries such as shells, pipes, and tubes. The relative amplitude of the two modes depends on the directionality of the source motion. For source motions with large out-of-plane components such as delaminations or particle impact, the flexural or bending plate mode dominates the AE signal with only a small extensional mode detected. A signal from such a source is well simulated with the standard pencil lead break (Hsu-Neilsen source) on the surface of the plate. For other sources such as matrix cracking or fiber breakage in which the source motion is primarily in-plane, the resulting AE signal has a large extensional mode component with little or no flexural mode observed. Signals from these type sources can also be simulated with pencil lead breaks. However, the lead must be fractured on the edge of the plate to generate an in-plane source motion rather than on the surface of the plate. In many applications such as testing of pressure vessels and piping or aircraft structures, a free edge is either not available or not in a desired location for simulation of in-plane type sources. In this research, a method was developed which allows the simulation of AE signals with a predominant extensional mode component in composite plates requiring access to only the surface of the plate.

Prosser, W. H.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Experimental tests of a superposition hypothesis to explain the relationship between the vestibuloocular reflex and smooth pursuit during horizontal combined eye-head tracking in humans

1. We used a modeling approach to test the hypothesis that, in humans, the smooth pursuit (SP) system provides the primary signal for cancelling the vestibuloocular reflex (VOR) during combined eye-head tracking (CEHT) of a target moving smoothly in the horizontal plane. Separate models for SP and the VOR were developed. The optimal values of parameters of the two models were calculated using measured responses of four subjects to trials of SP and the visually enhanced VOR. After optimal parameter values were specified, each model generated waveforms that accurately reflected the subjects' responses to SP and vestibular stimuli. The models were then combined into a CEHT model wherein the final eye movement command signal was generated as the linear summation of the signals from the SP and VOR pathways. 2. The SP-VOR superposition hypothesis was tested using two types of CEHT stimuli, both of which involved passive rotation of subjects in a vestibular chair. The first stimulus consisted of a "chair brake" or sudden stop of the subject's head during CEHT; the visual target continued to move. The second stimulus consisted of a sudden change from the visually enhanced VOR to CEHT ("delayed target onset" paradigm); as the vestibular chair rotated past the angular position of the stationary visual stimulus, the latter started to move in synchrony with the chair. Data collected during experiments that employed these stimuli were compared quantitatively with predictions made by the CEHT model. 3. During CEHT, when the chair was suddenly and unexpectedly stopped, the eye promptly began to move in the orbit to track the moving target. Initially, gaze velocity did not completely match target velocity, however; this finally occurred approximately 100 ms after the brake onset. The model did predict the prompt onset of eye-in-orbit motion after the brake, but it did not predict that gaze velocity would initially be only approximately 70% of target velocity. One possible explanation for this discrepancy is that VOR gain can be dynamically modulated and, during sustained CEHT, it may assume a lower value. Consequently, during CEHT, a smaller-amplitude SP signal would be needed to cancel the lower-gain VOR. This reduction of the SP signal could account for the attenuated tracking response observed immediately after the brake. We found evidence for the dynamic modulation of VOR gain by noting differences in responses to the onset and offset of head rotation in trials of the visually enhanced VOR.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS).

Non-NASA Center↗
NASA NTRS2005

Deformation and Flexibility Equations for ARIS Umbilicals Idealized as Planar Elastica

The International Space Station relies on the active rack isolation system (ARIS) as the central component of an integrated, stationwide strategy to isolate microgravity space-science experiments. ARIS uses electromechanical actuators to isolate an international standard payload rack from disturbances due to the motion of the Space Station. Disturbances to microgravity experiments on ARIS isolated racks are transmitted primarily via the ARIS power and vacuum umbilicals. Experimental tests indicate that these umbilicals resonate at frequencies outside the ARIS controller s bandwidth at levels of potential concern for certain microgravity experiments. Reduction in the umbilical resonant frequencies could help to address this issue. This work documents the development and verification of equations for the in-plane deflections and flexibilities of an idealized umbilical (thin, flexible, inextensible, cantilever beam) under end-point, in-plane loading (inclined-force and moment). The effect of gravity is neglected due to the on-orbit application. The analysis assumes an initially curved (not necessarily circular), cantilevered umbilical with uniform cross-section, which undergoes large deflections with no plastic deformation, such that the umbilical slope changes monotonically. The treatment is applicable to the ARIS power and vacuum umbilicals under the indicated assumptions.

Hampton, R. David↗
NASA NTRS2010

Absolute Stability Analysis of a Phase Plane Controlled Spacecraft

Many aerospace attitude control systems utilize phase plane control schemes that include nonlinear elements such as dead zone and ideal relay. To evaluate phase plane control robustness, stability margin prediction methods must be developed. Absolute stability is extended to predict stability margins and to define an abort condition. A constrained optimization approach is also used to design flex filters for roll control. The design goal is to optimize vehicle tracking performance while maintaining adequate stability margins. Absolute stability is shown to provide satisfactory stability constraints for the optimization.

Jang, Jiann-Woei↗
NASA NTRS2010

Blast Loading of Epoxy Panels Using a Shock Tube

The high strain rate mechanical response of thin polymer plates has been studied using a modified shock tube. Diagnostics include the pressure-time history of the incident and reflected pulses and the use of digital image correlation (DIC) techniques to extract the time-history of the out-of-plane displacement distribution. Additionally, finite element models have been developed to understand the plate response and to validate and modify plate material constitutive models that have been proposed.

Pankow, Mark↗
NASA NTRS2011

Growth and Characteristics of Type-II InAs/GaSb Superlattice-Based Detectors

We report on growth and device performance of infrared photodetectors based on type II InAs/Ga(In)Sb strain layer superlattices (SLs) using the complementary barrier infrared detector (CBIRD) design. The unipolar barriers on either side of the absorber in the CBIRD design in combination with the type-II InAs/GaSb superlattice material system are expected to outperform traditional III-V LWIR imaging technologies and offer significant advantages over the conventional II-VI material based FPAs. The innovative design of CBIRDS, low defect density material growth, and robust fabrication processes have resulted in the development of high performance long wave infrared (LWIR) focal plane arrays at JPL.

superlattice↗
NASA NTRS2018

A Deep X-Ray Look at Abell 2142-Viscosity Constraints from Kelvin-Helmholtz Eddies, a Displaced Cool Peak that Makes a Warm Core, and A Possible Plasma Depletion Layer

cold fronts in detail. We find that the southern cold front exhibits well-developed Kelvin–Helmholtz (KH) eddies seen in the sky plane. Comparing their wavelength and amplitude with those in hydrodynamic simulations of cold fronts in viscous gas, and estimating the gas tangential velocity from centripetal acceleration, we constrain the effective viscosity to be at most 1/5 of Spitzer isotropic viscosity, but consistent with full Braginskii anisotropic viscosity for magnetized plasma. While the northwestern front does not show obvious eddies, its shape and the structure of its brightness profile suggest KH eddies seen in projection. The southern cold front continues in a spiral to the center of the cluster, ending with another cold front only 12 kpc from the gas density peak. The cool peak itself is displaced ∼30 kpc from the brightest cluster galaxy (BCG) (the biggest such offset among centrally peaked clusters), while the X-ray emission on a larger scale is still centered on the BCG, indicating that the BCG is at the center of the gravitational potential and the cool gas is sloshing in it. The specific entropy index of the gas in the peak (K≈49 keV sq.cm) makes A2142 a rare “warm core”; apparently the large displacement of the cool peak by sloshing is the reason. Finally, we find a subtle narrow, straight channel with a 10% drop in X-ray brightness, aligned with the southern cold front—possibly a plasma depletion layer in projection.

Wang, Qian H. S.↗
NASA NTRS2019

Low-Loss Microstrip Transmission Line Fabricated with Improved Liftoff Process

The µ-Spec integrated spectrometer operating at ~500 GHz, employs thin film superconducting Nb microstrip transmission lines deposited directly on a thin (450 nm) single-crystal silicon dielectric. This single-crystal silicon layer is chosen as the dielectric layer due to its low intrinsic loss, with the goal of achieving both high- efficiency and precise phase control in a compact spectrometer architecture. To avoid roughening or etching through the thin single-crystal silicon dielectric a liftoff technique was developed for patterning these microstrip transmission lines and ground plane structures. This two- layer liftoff process was designed for use with sputter deposition and resulted in a US patent. Although this original technique provided precise control of linewidth, results of initial prototype spectrometer devices and separate diagnostic co-planer waveguide resonator devices showed that unexpected loss was being introduced due to the lift-off process. This extra loss was believed to be due to the “tails” (thin tapered regions) at the edge of the metal traces resulting from the sputtering process, as well as an amorphous oxide layer at the Nb-Si interface. We have since demonstrated an improved lift-off technique, which provides a clean metal-Si interface and removes the loss-inducing tails by a two-step selective etching method. This results in a decrease in microwave loss by more than an order of magnitude when measured in co-planar waveguide microwave resonator structures. We present these microwave test results and also SEM and TEM images of the microstrip interfaces and edge profiles before and after application of the improved process.

Hess, Larry A.↗
DOE OSTI2020

Compression behavior of dense H 2 -He mixtures up to 160 GPa

We have studied the compression behavior of H 2 -He mixtures in comparison with pure H 2 and He using powder synchrotron x-ray diffraction and present the pressure-volume (PV) compression data of H 2 -He mixtures to 160 GPa. The results indicate that both H 2 and He in H 2 -He mixtures remain in hcp to the maximum pressure studied, yet develop a substantial level of lattice distortion in the (100) plane, most profound in He-rich solids and below 66 GPa. The measured PV data also indicate softening of He (or H 2 )-rich lattice upon increasing the level of the guest H 2 (or He) concentration. We suggest that the observed softening and lattice distortion are due to a substitutional incorporation of H2 (guest) molecules into the basal plane of hcp-He (host) lattice and, thereby, reflect the miscibility between H 2 and He in H 2 -He mixtures. Interestingly, solid He exhibits a lesser degree of preferred orientation in H2-He mixtures than in pure He, likely due to the presence of solid H 2 disturbing the crystalline ordering of He-rich solids. Finally, the present PV compression data of H 2 -rich and He-rich solids to 160 GPa deviate from those of pure H 2 and pure He above ~70 and 45 GPa respectively, providing new constraints for development of the EOS for H 2 -He mixtures for planetary models.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
NASA NTRS1994

Discrete-Layer Piezoelectric Plate and Shell Models for Active Tip-Clearance Control

The objectives of this work were to develop computational tools for the analysis of active-sensory composite structures with added or embedded piezoelectric layers. The targeted application for this class of smart composite laminates and the analytical development is the accomplishment of active tip-clearance control in turbomachinery components. Two distinct theories and analytical models were developed and explored under this contract: (1) a discrete-layer plate theory and corresponding computational models, and (2) a three dimensional general discrete-layer element generated in curvilinear coordinates for modeling laminated composite piezoelectric shells. Both models were developed from the complete electromechanical constitutive relations of piezoelectric materials, and incorporate both displacements and potentials as state variables. This report describes the development and results of these models. The discrete-layer theories imply that the displacement field and electrostatic potential through-the-thickness of the laminate are described over an individual layer rather than as a smeared function over the thickness of the entire plate or shell thickness. This is especially crucial for composites with embedded piezoelectric layers, as the actuating and sensing elements within these layers are poorly represented by effective or smeared properties. Linear Lagrange interpolation polynomials were used to describe the through-thickness laminate behavior. Both analytic and finite element approximations were used in the plane or surface of the structure. In this context, theoretical developments are presented for the discrete-layer plate theory, the discrete-layer shell theory, and the formulation of an exact solution for simply-supported piezoelectric plates. Finally, evaluations and results from a number of separate examples are presented for the static and dynamic analysis of the plate geometry. Comparisons between the different approaches are provided when possible, and initial conclusions regarding the accuracy and limitations of these models are given.

Heyliger, P. R.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Solution of plane cascade flow using improved surface singularity methods

A solution method has been developed for calculating compressible inviscid flow through a linear cascade of arbitrary blade shapes. The method uses advanced surface singularity formulations which were adapted from those found in current external flow analyses. The resulting solution technique provides a fast flexible calculation for flows through turbomachinery blade rows. The solution method and some examples of the method's capabilities are presented.

Mcfarland, E. R.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Crack elements for COSMIC/NASTRAN

A crack element was developed and incorporated into COSMIC/NASTRAN. The element is considered linear, isotropic, and homogeneous. Mode 1 and 2 stress intensity factors are automatically calculated. Comparisons to theoretical plane strain solutions for several geometries are presented and demonstrate the accuracy of the developed element. Extensions of the element to three dimensions, anisotropic material, and plastic analysis are discussed.

Woytowitz, P. J.↗