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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 955 records · Page 53

Partitioning and packing mathematical simulation models for calculation on parallel computers

The development of multiprocessor simulations from a serial set of ordinary differential equations describing a physical system is described. Degrees of parallelism (i.e., coupling between the equations) and their impact on parallel processing are discussed. The problem of identifying computational parallelism within sets of closely coupled equations that require the exchange of current values of variables is described. A technique is presented for identifying this parallelism and for partitioning the equations for parallel solution on a multiprocessor. An algorithm which packs the equations into a minimum number of processors is also described. The results of the packing algorithm when applied to a turbojet engine model are presented in terms of processor utilization.

Arpasi, D. J.↗

Research on the structural dynamics verification of flexible spacecraft

Langley spacecraft structural dynamics research based on a broad range of experimental and analytical studies, which contributed to the technology base for designing and building advanced spacecraft structures, is reviewed. It is concluded that considerable progress has been made toward developing the scale model technology for validating mathematical models used to predict the on-orbit dynamic behavior of spacecraft structures. Advanced suspension systems for testing models of spacecraft as well as feasibility of using modal data to detect damage in truss-type structures were demonstrated.

Kvaternik, Raymond G.↗

Quasi-Linear Parameter Varying Representation of General Aircraft Dynamics Over Non-Trim Region

For applying linear parameter varying (LPV) control synthesis and analysis to a nonlinear system, it is required that a nonlinear system be represented in the form of an LPV model. In this paper, a new representation method is developed to construct an LPV model from a nonlinear mathematical model without the restriction that an operating point must be in the neighborhood of equilibrium points. An LPV model constructed by the new method preserves local stabilities of the original nonlinear system at "frozen" scheduling parameters and also represents the original nonlinear dynamics of a system over a non-trim region. An LPV model of the motion of FASER (Free-flying Aircraft for Subscale Experimental Research) is constructed by the new method.

Shin, Jong-Yeob↗

Method and system for dynamic probabilistic risk assessment

The DEFT methodology, system and computer readable medium extends the applicability of the PRA (Probabilistic Risk Assessment) methodology to computer-based systems, by allowing DFT (Dynamic Fault Tree) nodes as pivot nodes in the Event Tree (ET) model. DEFT includes a mathematical model and solution algorithm, supports all common PRA analysis functions and cutsets. Additional capabilities enabled by the DFT include modularization, phased mission analysis, sequence dependencies, and imperfect coverage.

Dugan, Joanne Bechta↗

Assessment the leaching characteristics and long-term leaching behavior of some radionuclides from synthesized zeolite cement matrix

Highlights: • Synthesis and characterization of zeolite cement synthesized from fly ash • Leaching tests were used to assess the release rate of {sup 85}Sr and {sup 60}Co radionuclides. • Simple mathematical models were used to detect leaching mechanisms. • Long-term leaching behavior of {sup 85}Sr and {sup 60}Co from cementitious matrix was assessed. The development of cementitious materials remains a vital goal to produce valuable products with good mechanical, physical and chemical properties suitable for the safe disposal of concentrated radionuclides resulted from the treatment of contaminated solutions. In this paper, zeolite cement with good properties was laboratory synthesized from industrial by-products fly ash and characterized using various characterization techniques. The leaching characteristics of strontium and cobalt radionuclides from the synthesized zeolite cement were scrutinized conforming with the standard leaching methodology of International Atomic Energy Authority (IAEA). A mechanical strength assessment was executed to characterize the extent of immobilization process of the solidified matrices. The cumulative leaching fraction (φ) of the two studied radionuclides was found to be less than 5% in all examined conditions, which implies the applicability of the IAEA-recommended methodology for estimating the diffusion coefficient. The experimental leaching data were regressed nonlinearly to various mathematical kinetic models to assess the controlling leaching mechanism and to determine the leaching parameters. The regression results indicated that strontium ({sup 85}Sr) and cobalt ({sup 60}Co) leaching resulted from two succeeding mechanisms: as first order kinetic reaction, and then diffusion. The calculated values of leachability indices signify that the performance of each of the studied matrices is within an acceptable range. A simplified mathematical model, rooted in the first order reaction and diffusion mechanisms, was simulated to predict the radionuclides leaching rates from zeolite cement matrices. By comparing the synthesized zeolite cement with other cementitious materials, it can be concluded that the synthesized material can be classified as an efficient material suitable to immobilize {sup 85}Sr and {sup 60}Co from radioactive wastes. The acquired findings demonstrated that the studied immobilized waste matrices have acceptable mechanical effectiveness.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

On an Anomaly in the Modeling of Electromagnetic Stirring in Continuous Casting

Early, yet still often-cited, mathematical models for electromagnetic stirring (EMS) in continuous casting are re-examined and found to contain a surprising anomaly: the solutions obtained were not unique. Analysis for the case of a round billet under rotary EMS shows how to avoid this behavior, whilst still making use of the experimental data that motivated the original models. The relevance of this result for current-day modeling of EMS is highlighted, particularly in the context of modulated EMS.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

A scalable variational inequality approach for flow through porous media models with pressure-dependent viscosity

Mathematical models for flow through porous media typically enjoy the so-called maximum principles, which place bounds on the pressure field. It is highly desirable to preserve these bounds on the pressure field in predictive numerical simulations, that is, one needs to satisfy discrete maximum principles (DMP). Unfortunately, many of the existing formulations for flow through porous media models do not satisfy DMP. This paper presents a robust, scalable numerical formulation based on variational inequalities (VI), to model non-linear flows through heterogeneous, anisotropic porous media without violating DMP. VI is an optimization technique that places bounds on the numerical solutions of partial differential equations. To crystallize the ideas, a modification to Darcy equations by taking into account pressure-dependent viscosity will be discretized using the lowest-order Raviart–Thomas (RT0) and Variational Multi-scale (VMS) finite element formulations. It will be shown that these formulations violate DMP, and, in fact, these violations increase with an increase in anisotropy. It will be shown that the proposed VI-based formulation provides a viable route to enforce DMP. Moreover, it will be shown that the proposed formulation is scalable, and can work with any numerical discretization and weak form. Aseriesof numerical benchmark problems are solved to demonstrate the effects of heterogeneity, anisotropy and non-linearity on DMP violations under the two chosen formulations (RT0 and VMS), and that of non-linearity on solver convergence for the proposed VI-based formulation. Parallel scalability on modern computational platforms will be illustrated through strong-scaling studies, which will prove the efficiency of the proposed formulation in a parallel setting. Algorithmic scalability as the problem size is scaled up will be demonstrated through novel static-scaling studies. The performed static-scaling studies can serve as a guide for users to be able to select an appropriate discretization for a given problem size.

42 ENGINEERING↗

A model for simultaneous monitoring and control

Mathematical models of the human operator have been concerned primarily with his input/output characteristics and his adaptive behavior to sudden changes in the controlled element dynamics. Newer models have examined the ability of the human to detect failures when acting as a monitor. However, models for simultaneous monitoring and control (e.g., an aircraft pilot flying a split axis approach) are necessary for performing pilot task allocations and for coordinated design of display and control subsystems. Flight test results of simulated instrument helicopter approaches conducted have shown the following: (1) constant speed approaches can be made quite comfortably by the pilots; (2) pilots cannot hover on situation displays alone; and (3) pilots can hover with a flight director display, but feel uncomfortable because they do not have enough time to monitor the situation displays.

Curry, R. E.↗

Operating cost model for local service airlines

Several mathematical models now exist which determine the operating economics for a United States trunk airline. These models are valuable in assessing the impact of new aircraft into an airline's fleet. The use of a trunk airline cost model for the local service airline does not result in representative operating costs. A new model is presented which is representative of the operating conditions and resultant costs for the local service airline. The calculated annual direct and indirect operating costs for two multiequipment airlines are compared with their actual operating experience.

Anderson, J. L.↗

Long-lifetime Martian orbit selection using a time-dependent model of the Martian atmosphere

A mathematical model of the time-dependent Martian atmosphere has been developed in order to accurately calculate the effects of aerodynamic drag on a low altitude satellite. The time-dependent properties of the model include solar activity effects, dust storm effects, seasonal and diurnal variations, and annual motion effects. Position effects are accounted for through Martian latitude and longitude. Expected values of mass density, temperature, scale height, and the estimated standard deviation of the mass density are provided. An example of the use of the model in selecting an orbit for the Mars Geochemical/Climatology Orbiter is given.

Culp, R. D.↗

A systems analysis of the erythropoietic responses to weightlessness. Volume 2: Description of the model of erythropoiesis regulation. Part A: Model for regulation of erythropoiesis. Part B: Detailed description of the model for regulation of erythropoiesis

A mathematical model of the erythropoiesis on total red blood cell mass is presented. The loss of red cell mass has been a consistent finding during space flight. Computer simulation of this phenomenon required a model that could account for oxygen transport, red cell production, and red cell destruction. The elements incorporated into the feedback regulation loop of the model are based on the accepted concept that erythrocyte production is governed by the balance between oxygen supply and demand in the body. The mechanisms and pathways of the control circuit include oxygenation of hemoglobin and oxygenation of tissues by blood transport and diffusional processes. Other features of the model include a variable oxygen-hemoglobin affinity, and time delays which represent time for erythropoietin (erythrocyte-stimulating hormone) distribution in plasma, and time for maturation of the erythrocytes in bone marrow.

Leonard, J. I.↗

Modeling of transient heat pipe operation

Mathematical models and associated solution procedures which can be used to design heat pipe cooled structures for use on hypersonic vehicles are being developed. The models should also have the capability to predict off-design performance for a variety of operating conditions. It is expected that the resulting models can be used to predict startup behavior of liquid metal heat pipes to be used in reentry vehicles, hypersonic aircraft, and space nuclear reactors. Work to date related to numerical solutions of governing differential equations for the outer shell and the combination capillary structure and working fluid is summarized. Finite element numerical equations using both implicit, explicit, and combination methods were examined.

Colwell, G. T.↗

Planning, creating and documenting a NASTRAN finite element model of a modern-helicopter

Mathematical models based on the finite element method of structural analysis as embodied in the NASTRAN computer code are widely used by the helicopter industry to calculate static internal loads and vibration of airframe structure. The internal loads are routinely used for sizing structural members. The vibration predictions are not yet relied on during design. NASA's Langley Research Center sponsored a program to conduct an application of the finite element method with emphasis on predicting structural vibration. The Army/Boeing CH-47D helicopter was used as the modeling subject. The objective was used to engender the needed trust in vibration predictions using these models and establish a body of modeling guides which would enable confident future prediction of airframe vibration as part of the regular design process.

Gabel, R.↗

Semiempirical Model Would Control Czochralski Process

Semiempirical mathematical model proposed for control of growth of single crystals of silicon by Czochralski process. Expresses dependence of pulling rate and shape of liquid/solid interface upon important process variables; radius of growing crystal, temperature of crucible, level of melt, and height of exposed portion of crucible wall. Necessary to control shape of interface in manner consistent with other variables, to maintain radially uniform concentration of dopant, and reduce thermally induced stresses in vicinity of interface. Used to simulate complete growth cycles without requiring excessive computer time consumed by rigorous finite-element modeling.

Dudukovic, M. P.↗