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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 793 records · Page 44

ON THE INFLUENCE OF NON-SYMMETRICAL MODES ON THE BUCKLING OF SHALLOW SPHERICAL SHELLS UNDER UNIFORM PRESSURE

In view of the wide discrepancy between theoretical and experimental results that still exists, the problem of buckling of shallow spherical shells under uniform external pressure is reexamined with the introduction of non-symmetrical deflection modes. The basic idea is that, for a symmetrical shell under gradually increasing symmetrical loading, the deformation will be symmetrical up to and after buckling, but it is feasible that a non-symmetrical mode participates in the snap-through process. Including this possibility in the governing equations may lower the theoretical buckling load. Some analytical results are presented and compared with experiment.

SPHERICAL SHELL↗

Interactive computer graphics system for structural sizing and analysis of aircraft structures

A computerized system for preliminary sizing and analysis of aircraft wing and fuselage structures was described. The system is based upon repeated application of analytical program modules, which are interactively interfaced and sequence-controlled during the iterative design process with the aid of design-oriented graphics software modules. The entire process is initiated and controlled via low-cost interactive graphics terminals driven by a remote computer in a time-sharing mode.

Bendavid, D.↗

The micrometeoroid complex and evolution of the lunar regolith

Monte Carlo-based computer calculations, as well as analytical approaches utilizing probabilistic arguments, were applied to gain insight into the principal regolith impact processes and their resulting kinetics. Craters 10 to 1500 m in diameter are largely responsible for the overall growth of the regolith. As a consequence the regolith has to be envisioned as a complex sequence of discrete ejecta blankets. Such blankets constitute first-order discontinuities in the evolving debris layer. The micrometeoroid complex then operates intensely on these fresh ejecta blankets and accomplishes only in an uppermost layer of approximately 1-mm thickness. The absolute flux of micrometeoroids based on lunar rock analyses averaged over the past few 10 to the 6th power years is approximately an order of magnitude lower than presentday satellite fluxes; however, there is indication that the flux increased in the past 10 to the 4th power years to become compatible with the satellite data. Furthermore, there is detailed evidence that the micrometeoroid complex existed throughout geologic time.

Horz, F.↗

Development of a microwave multilateration system for VTOL landing guidance

An experimental microwave multilateration system has been developed by NASA to provide highly accurate position and velocity measurements during the approach and landing phase of VTOL aircraft. The system uses an angle modulated ranging signal to provide both range and range rate measurements between an aircraft transponder and multiple ground stations. Range and range rate measurements are converted to coordinate measurements, and the coordinate information is transmitted via an integral data link to the aircraft. This paper describes the development of the multilateration system and the associated digital signal processing techniques. Advantages and disadvantages of several processing techniques are discussed. The operation and accuracy of the system as determined from both analytical studies and flight experiments will be described.

Britt, C. L., Jr.↗

On the power spectral density of quadrature modulated signals

The conventional (no-offset) quadriphase modulation technique suffers from the fact that hardlimiting will restore the frequency sidelobes removed by proper filtering. Thus, offset keyed quadriphase modulation techniques are often proposed for satellite communication with bandpass hardlimiting. A unified theory is developed which is capable of describing the power spectral density before and after the hardlimiting process. Using the in-phase and the quadrature phase channel with arbitrary pulse shaping, analytical results are established for generalized quadriphase modulation. In particular MSK, OPSK or the recently introduced overlapped raised cosine keying all fall into this general category. It is shown that for a linear communication channel, the power spectral density of the modulated signal remains unchanged regardless of the offset delay. Furthermore, if the in phase and the quadrature phase channel have identical pulse shapes without offset, the spectrum after bandpass hardlimiting will be identical to that of the conventional QPSK modulation. Numerical examples are given for various modulation techniques. A case of different pulse shapes in the in phase and the quadrature phase channel is also considered.

Yan, T. Y.↗

Reduction of chromium in Ni-base superalloys through element substitution and rapid solidification processing

The reduction in the use of Cr in Ni base superalloys by the combined approaches of both elemental substitution and rapid solidification processing is studied. The elements Si, Zr, Y and Hf were chosen as potential partial substitutes for Cr in Waspaloy and IN 713LC sine their separate addition to other alloys has previously resulted in enhanced oxidation resistance. The roles of Cr and these replacement elements in determining the microstructure and properties are evaluated. The elements Si, Zr, and Y and Hf are used as partial replacements for Cr in the base superalloys and these resultant alloys are processed using rapid solidification techniques. The mechanical properties and oxidation resistance of the processed materials are evaluated. The microstructure is characterized using state of the art techniques (e.g. analytical transmission electron microscopy), and the mechanism by which these structures are produced is determined.

Fraser, H. D.↗

Accelerating an iterative process by explicit annihilation

A slowly convergent stationary iterative process can be accelerated by explicitly annihilating (i.e., eliminating) the dominant eigenvector component of the error. The dominant eigenvalue or complex pair of eigenvalues can be estimated from the solution during the iteration. The corresponding eigenvector or complex pair of eigenvectors can then be annihilated by applying an explicit Richardson process over the basic iterative method. This can be done entirely in real arithmetic by analytically combining the complex conjugate annihilation steps. The technique is applied to an implicit algorithm for the calculation of two dimensional steady transonic flow over a circular cylinder using the equations of compressible inviscid gas dynamics. This demonstrates the use of explicit annihilation on a nonlinear problem.

Jespersen, D. C.↗

Fuel Spray Diagnostics

Fundamental experimental data base for turbulent flow mixing models is provided and better prediction of the more complex turbulent chemical reacting flows. Analytical application to combustor design is provided and a better fundamental understanding of the combustion process.

Humenik, F. M.↗

Two-dimensional convolute integers for analytical instrumentation

As new analytical instruments and techniques emerge with increased dimensionality, a corresponding need is seen for data processing logic which can appropriately address the data. Two-dimensional measurements reveal enhanced unknown mixture analysis capability as a result of the greater spectral information content over two one-dimensional methods taken separately. It is noted that two-dimensional convolute integers are merely an extension of the work by Savitzky and Golay (1964). It is shown that these low-pass, high-pass and band-pass digital filters are truly two-dimensional and that they can be applied in a manner identical with their one-dimensional counterpart, that is, a weighted nearest-neighbor, moving average with zero phase shifting, convoluted integer (universal number) weighting coefficients.

Edwards, T. R.↗

SOYCHMBR.I - A model designed for the study of plant growth in a closed chamber

The analytical model SOYCHMBER.I, an update and alteration of the SOYMOD/OARDC model, for describing the total processes experienced by a plant in a controlled mass environment is outlined. The model is intended for use with growth chambers for examining plant growth in a completely controlled environment, leading toward a data base for the design of spacecraft food supply systems. SOYCHMBER.I accounts for the assimilation, respiration, and partitioning of photosynthate and nitrogen compounds among leaves, stems, roots, and potentially, flowers of the soybean plant. The derivation of the governing equations is traced, and the results of the prediction of CO2 dynamics for a seven day experiment with rice in a closed chamber are reported, together with data from three model runs for soybean. It is concluded that the model needs expansion to account for factors such as relative humidity.

Reinhold, C.↗

Advanced beamed-energy and field propulsion concepts

Specific phenomena which might lead to major advances in payload, range and terminal velocity of very advanced vehicle propulsion are studied. The effort focuses heavily on advanced propulsion spinoffs enabled by current government-funded investigations in directed-energy technology: i.e., laser, microwave, and relativistic charged particle beams. Futuristic (post-year 2000) beamed-energy propulsion concepts which indicate exceptional promise are identified and analytically investigated. The concepts must be sufficiently developed to permit technical understanding of the physical processes involved, assessment of the enabling technologies, and evaluation of their merits over conventional systems. Propulsion concepts that can be used for manned and/or unmanned missions for purposes of solar system exploration, planetary landing, suborbital flight, transport to orbit, and escape are presented. Speculations are made on the chronology of milestones in beamed-energy propulsion development, such as in systems applications of defense, satellite orbit-raising, global aerospace transportation, and manned interplanetary carriers.

Myrabo, L. N.↗

Accelerating an iterative process by explicit annihilation

A slowly convergent stationary iterative process can be accelerated by explicitly annihilating (i.e., eliminating) the dominant eigenvector component of the error. The dominant eigenvalue or complex pair of eigenvalues can be estimated from the solution during the iteration. The corresponding eigenvector or complex pair of eigenvectors can then be annihilated by applying an explicit Richardson process over the basic iterative method. This can be done entirely in real arithmetic by analytically combining the complex conjugate annihilation steps. The technique is applied to an implicit algorithm for the calculation of two dimensional steady transonic flow over a circular cylinder using the equations of compressible inviscid gas dynamics. This demonstrates the use of explicit annihilation on a nonlinear problem.

Jespersen, D. C.↗

Use of MSC/NASTRAN for the thermal analysis of the Space Shuttle Orbiter braking system

A description is given of the thermal modeling and analysis effort being conducted to investigate the transient temperature and thermal stress characteristics of the Space Shuttle Orbiter brake components and subsystems. Models are constructed of the brake stator as well as of the entire brake assembly to analyze the temperature distribution and thermal stress during the landing and braking process. These investigations are carried out on a UNIVAC computer system with MSC/NASTRAN Version 63. Analytical results and solution methods are presented and comparisons are made with SINDA results.

Shu, James↗

Recent developments in isotachophoresis

Recent advances in the field of isotachophoresis are discussed. These comprise (1) the utilization of digital simulation techniques for computer modeling of isotachophoretic systems of weak electrolytes, (2) the impacts of the models based on migration only, (3) the trend towards automated analytical instruments, and (4) the development of truly industrial-scale isotachophoresis amenable for downstream processing in biotechnology.

Thormann, Wolfgang↗

The PC/AT compatible computer as a mission control center display processor at Ames-Dryden Flight Research Facility

Since 1982, the Western Aeronautical Test Range of the Ames-Dryden Flight Research Facility has been separating the data acquisition and processing function required on all telemetry pulse code modulation (PCM) data and the display processing function required in the flight research mission control centers (MCCs). These two functions historically have been done on the same set of superminicomputers remote from the MCCs. Removing the display processing function from the realm of the superminis or telemetry-radar acquisition and processing system (TRAPS) and out into the MCCs will allow the research engineers the flexibility to configure their own display processing system to optimize performance during a flight research mission. Meanwhile, the TRAPS will have more time to acquire data. One of the processors chosen is an IBM PC/AT compatible rack-mounted personal computer. This class and type machine will not only allow the transfer of the display processing function into the MCCs, but also allow the research engineers a personalized set of analytic and display tools for use on their own unique sets of data.

Hammons, Kevin R.↗

Analysis procedures and subjective flight results of a simulator validation and cue fidelity experiment

A joint experiment to investigate simulator validation and cue fidelity was conducted by the Dryden Flight Research Facility of NASA Ames Research Center (Ames-Dryden) and NASA Langley Research Center. The primary objective was to validate the use of a closed-loop pilot-vehicle mathematical model as an analytical tool for optimizing the tradeoff between simulator fidelity requirements and simulator cost. The validation process includes comparing model predictions with simulation and flight test results to evaluate various hypotheses for differences in motion and visual cues and information transfer. A group of five pilots flew air-to-air tracking maneuvers in the Langley differential maneuvering simulator and visual motion simulator and in an F-14 aircraft at Ames-Dryden. The simulators used motion and visual cueing devices including a g-seat, a helmet loader, wide field-of-view horizon, and a motion base platform.

Carr, Peter C.↗

Wavenumber selection for single-wave steady states in a nonlinear baroclinic system

The principles involved in the selection of a wavenumber for single-wave steady states are examined numerically and analytically in the framework of an Eady-type model with uneven Ekman dissipation. The process of selection involves the determination of the preferred wavenumber for a given parameter setting in the nonlinear system by testing the stability of steady single-wave states in a triad with wavenumbers n(0) - 1, n(0), and n(0) + 1, where n(0) may change successively in the selection procedure. In a given triad for a given parameter setting, the preferred wave is the wave with the nonlinear Eady angle that is last to vanish.

Weng, H.-Y.↗

An experiment-based comparative study of fuzzy logic control

An approach is presented to the control of a dynamic physical system through the use of approximate reasoning. The approach has been implemented in a program named POLE, and the authors have successfully built a prototype hardware system to solve the cartpole balancing problem in real-time. The approach provides a complementary alternative to the conventional analytical control methodology and is of substantial use when a precise mathematical model of the process being controlled is not available. A set of criteria for comparing controllers based on approximate reasoning and those based on conventional control schemes is furnished.

Berenji, Hamid R.↗