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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 1,045 records · Page 58

A first look at atmospheric dynamics and temperature variations on Titan.

Pollack (1973) has used a radiative equilibrium model to match radiometric data for Titan and infers the atmospheric mass, composition, opacity, and gross vertical thermal structure. These results are used to estimate the atmospheric temperature variations by means of scaling analysis, taking into account dynamics both for a baroclinic wave regime and for an axially symmetric circulation regime. Horizontal temperature variations of the atmosphere and surface are found to be very small, and the circulation is found to be weak and probably axially symmetric. The small temperature variations appear to preclude the storage of volatiles in polar caps, so that the present atmospheric methane content may be due to a balance between outgassing and photodissociation.

Leovy, C. B.↗

Analytical and experimental investigation of a 1/8-scale dynamic model of the shuttle orbiter. Volume 1: Summary report

A 1/8-scale structural dynamics model of the space shuttle orbiter was analyzed using the NASA Structural Analysis System (NASTRAN). Comparison of the calculated eigenvalues with preliminary test data for the unrestrained condition indicate that the analytical model was consistently stiffer, being about 20% higher in the first mode. The eigenvectors show reasonably good agreement with test data. A series of analytical and experimental investigations undertaken to resolve the discrepancy are described. Modifications in the NASTRAN model based upon these investigations resulted in close agreement for both eigenvalues and eigenvectors.

Mason, P. W.↗

Use of asymptotic methods in vibration analysis

The derivation of dynamic differential equations, suitable for studying the vibrations of rotating, curved, slender structures was examined, and the Hamiltonian procedure was advocated for this purpose. Various reductions of the full system are displayed, which govern the vibrating troposkien when various order of magnitude restrictions are placed on important parameters. Possible advantages of the WKB asymptotic method for solving these classes of problems are discussed. A special case of this method is used illustratively to calculate eigenvalues and eigenfunctions for a flat turbine blade with small flexural stiffness.

Ashley, H.↗

Conference on Helicopter Structures Technology, Moffett Field, Calif., November 16-18, 1977, Proceedings

Work on advanced concepts for helicopter designs is reported. Emphasis is on use of advanced composites, damage-tolerant design, and load calculations. Topics covered include structural design flight maneuver loads using PDP-10 flight dynamics model, use of 3-D finite element analysis in design of helicopter mechanical components, damage-tolerant design of the YUH-61A main rotor system, survivability of helicopters to rotor blade ballistic damage, development of a multitubular spar composite main rotor blade, and a bearingless main rotor structural design approach using advanced composites.

Source record↗

Ninth NASTRAN (R) Users' Colloquium

The general application of finite element methodology and the specific application of NASTRAN to a wide variety of static and dynamic structural problems is addressed. Comparison with other approaches and new methods of analysis with nastran are included.

Source record↗

Structural analysis of the controlled impact demonstration of a jet transport airplane

An analytical method has been developed for assessing crash dynamics of large transport aircraft, such as in the NASA Controlled Impact Demonstration (CID) jet crash test on December 1, 1984. The DYCAST nonlinear finite-element computer code was used in a series of progressively more difficult tasks to model complete transport aircraft crashes. Single aircraft frames and fuselage section vertical drop tests were modeled and analyzed to obtain comparisons with experimental data and to develop hybrid element crash springs for use in the large CID model. Predictions of crash and acceleration levels from a symmetric CID model agreed well with data from the CID experiment.

Fasanella, E. L.↗

Near Identifiability of Dynamical Systems

Concepts regarding approximate mathematical models treated rigorously. Paper presents new results in analysis of structural identifiability, equivalence, and near equivalence between mathematical models and physical processes they represent. Helps establish rigorous mathematical basis for concepts related to structural identifiability and equivalence revealing fundamental requirements, tacit assumptions, and sources of error. "Structural identifiability," as used by workers in this field, loosely translates as meaning ability to specify unique mathematical model and set of model parameters that accurately predict behavior of corresponding physical system.

Hadaegh, F. Y.↗

Probabilistic structural analysis to evaluate the structural durability of SSME critical components

NASA Lewis Research Center is currently developing probabilistic structural analysis methods for select Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) structural components. Briefly, the deterministic, three-dimensional, inelastic analysis methodology developed under the Hot Section Technology (HOST) and R and T Base Programs is being augmented to accommodate the complex probabilistic loading spectra, the thermoviscoplastic material behavior, and the material degradation associated with the environment of space propulsion system structural components representative of the SSME such as turbine blades, transfer ducts, and liquid-oxygen posts. The development of probabilistic structural analysis methodology consists of the following program elements: (1) composite load spectra; (2) probabilistic structural analysis methods; (3) probabilistic finite element theory - new variational principles; and (4) probabilistic structural analysis application. In addition, the program includes deterministic analysis elements: (1) development of structural tailoring computer codes (SSME/STAEBL); (2) development of dynamic creep buckling/ratcheting theory; (3) evaluation of the dynamic characteristics of single-crystal SSME blades; (4) development of SSME blade damper technology; and (5) development of integrated boundary elements for hotfluid structure interaction.

Chamis, Christos C.↗

Status of integrated multidisciplinary rotorcraft optimization research at the Langley Research Center

This paper describes a joint NASA/Army research activity at the Langley Research Center to develop optimization procedures aimed at improving the rotor blade design process by integrating appropriate disciplines and accounting for important interactions among the disciplines. The activity is being guided by a Steering Committee made up of key NASA and Army researchers and managers. The paper describes the optimization formulation in terms of the objective function, design variables, and constraints. The analysis aspects are discussed, and the interdisciplinary interactions are defined in terms of the information that must be transferred among disciplinary analyses as well as the trade-offs between disciplines in determining the details of the design. At this writing, some significant progress has been made. Results given in the paper represent accomplishments in rotor aerodynamic performance optimization for minimum horsepower, rotor dynamic optimization for vibration reduction, approximate analysis of frequencies and mode shapes, rotor structural optimization for minimum weight, and integrated aerodynamic load/dynamics optimization for minimum vibration and weight.

Mantay, Wayne R.↗

Recent literature on structural modeling, identification, and analysis

The literature on the mathematical modeling of large space structures is first reviewed, with attention given to continuum models, model order reduction, substructuring, and computational techniques. System identification and mode verification are then discussed with reference to the verification of mathematical models of large space structures. In connection with analysis, the paper surveys recent research on eigensolvers and dynamic response solvers for large-order finite-element-based models.

Craig, Roy R., Jr.↗

Some instrumentation requirement issues for the Space Station structural characterization experiment

The Space Station will provide unique opportunities to the research and technology community as a national in-space research facility. Opportunities will exist for technology experiments in a variety of disciplines, including dynamics and control of large space structures (LSS). The Space Station Structural Characterization Experiment (SSSCE) is an early space station technology experiment now under development. The objective of the experiment is to instrument and use the Space Station as a generic research test article, in support of research and technology activities in the areas of structural dynamics and control/structure interaction (CSI). Tests will be conducted, potentially, on each assembly flight configuration, as well as on the phase 1 configuration. Structural dynamic response data will be measured and transferred to the ground for analysis. These measurements will support the development and in-space verification of system identification and analytical modeling techniques for future LSS, including the evolutionary Space Station. The paper begins by restating the principal objective of SSSCE, along with the basic approach that will be used. The body of the paper deals with instrumentation requirement issues. The paper closes with several questions concerning modal-testing objectives and limitations, a brief review of a previous on-orbit experiment, the Solar Array Flight Experiment, and concluding remarks.

Pappa, Richard S.↗

Symposium on Parallel Computational Methods for Large-scale Structural Analysis and Design, 2nd, Norfolk, VA, US

Computing speed is leaping forward by several orders of magnitude each decade. Engineers and scientists gathered at a NASA Langley symposium to discuss these exciting trends as they apply to parallel computational methods for large-scale structural analysis and design. Among the topics discussed were: large-scale static analysis; dynamic, transient, and thermal analysis; domain decomposition (substructuring); and nonlinear and numerical methods.

Storaasli, Olaf O.↗

Application of the ENS3DAE Euler/Navier-Stokes Aeroelastic method

This paper discusses recent applications of the ENS3DAE computational aeroelasticity method. In particular, it describes aeroelastic and unsteady aerodynamics calculations performed on wings with trailing edge control surfaces. These simulations include the investigation of control reversal for a structurally flexible wing with a deflected control surface, and a static and dynamic analysis of a rigid wing with an oscillating control surface. The two sets of calculations were performed independently on different wings using different grid topologies. The control reversal simulation represents an inviscid Euler static aeroelastic analysis of a thin wing with a rectangular planform. The geometry of this wing makes it suitable for computations using more approximate, inviscid aerodynamics methods. Thus, the results of the present Euler computations are compared with numerical data generated by a validated computational aeroelasticity code which uses a simpler aerodynamic formulation. The second illustrated case involves the simulation of a significantly more complex flowfield and the static and dynamic analyses of this geometry were performed using the viscous Navier-Stokes equation option in ENS3DAE. Results of both the steady and unsteady calculations on this wing are compared with existing experimental data.

Schuster, David M.↗

Software for Refining or Coarsening Computational Grids

A computer program performs calculations for refinement or coarsening of computational grids of the type called 'structured' (signifying that they are geometrically regular and/or are specified by relatively simple algebraic expressions). This program is designed to facilitate analysis of the numerical effects of changing structured grids utilized in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software. Unlike prior grid-refinement and -coarsening programs, this program is not limited to doubling or halving: the user can specify any refinement or coarsening ratio, which can have a noninteger value. In addition to this ratio, the program accepts, as input, a grid file and the associated restart file, which is basically a file containing the most recent iteration of flow-field variables computed on the grid. The program then refines or coarsens the grid as specified, while maintaining the geometry and the stretching characteristics of the original grid. The program can interpolate from the input restart file to create a restart file for the refined or coarsened grid. The program provides a graphical user interface that facilitates the entry of input data for the grid-generation and restart-interpolation routines.

Daines, Russell↗

Software for Refining or Coarsening Computational Grids

A computer program performs calculations for refinement or coarsening of computational grids of the type called "structured" (signifying that they are geometrically regular and/or are specified by relatively simple algebraic expressions). This program is designed to facilitate analysis of the numerical effects of changing structured grids utilized in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software. Unlike prior grid-refinement and -coarsening programs, this program is not limited to doubling or halving: the user can specify any refinement or coarsening ratio, which can have a noninteger value. In addition to this ratio, the program accepts, as input, a grid file and the associated restart file, which is basically a file containing the most recent iteration of flow-field variables computed on the grid. The program then refines or coarsens the grid as specified, while maintaining the geometry and the stretching characteristics of the original grid. The program can interpolate from the input restart file to create a restart file for the refined or coarsened grid. The program provides a graphical user interface that facilitates the entry of input data for the grid-generation and restart-interpolation routines.

Daines, Russell↗

Marshall Space Flight Center Test Capabilities

The Test Laboratory at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center has over 50 facilities across 400+ acres inside a secure, fenced facility. The entire Center is located inside the boundaries of Redstone Arsenal, a 40,000 acre military reservation. About 150 Government and 250 contractor personnel operate facilities capable of all types of propulsion and structural testing, from small components to engine systems and structural strength, structural dynamic and environmental testing. We have tremendous engineering expertise in research, evaluation, analysis, design and development, and test of space transportation systems, subsystems, and components.

Hamilton, Jeffrey T.↗

Modeling the Multi-Body System Dynamics of a Flexible Solar Sail Spacecraft

Solar sail propulsion systems enable a wide range of space missions that are not feasible with current propulsion technology. Hardware concepts and analytical methods have matured through ground development to the point that a flight validation mission is now realizable. Much attention has been given to modeling the structural dynamics of the constituent elements, but to date an integrated system level dynamics analysis has been lacking. Using a multi-body dynamics and control analysis tool called TREETOPS, the coupled dynamics of the sailcraft bus, sail membranes, flexible booms, and control system sensors and actuators of a representative solar sail spacecraft are investigated to assess system level dynamics and control issues. With this tool, scaling issues and parametric trade studies can be performed to study achievable performance, control authority requirements, and control/structure interaction assessments.

Kim, Young↗

Computational Fluid Dynamics-Based Aeroservoelastic Analysis with Hyper-X Applications

A finite element computational fluids dynamics-based aeroservoelastic analysis methodology is presented in this paper, in which both structural and fluids discretization are achieved by the finite element method, and their interaction is modeled by the transpiration boundary condition technique. In the fluids discipline either inviscid or viscous flow may be accounted for, usually employing unstructured grids.Adescription of a novel viscous flow solver employing unstructured grids is given in detail. Provisions are made for digital as well as analog controllers. These new aeroservoelastic analysis techniques are next applied for the solution of a number of example problems including the novel Hyper-X launch vehicle. Experimental and actual flight test data are also compared with analysis results that signify to the efficacy and accuracy of the newly developed solution procedures.

Gupta, K. K.↗