Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “dynamic structural analysis”

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 1,153 records · Page 64

The Development of a Tool for Semi-Automated Generation of Structured and Unstructured Grids about Isolated Rotorcraft Blades

The grid generation used to model rotorcraft configurations for Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis is highly complicated and time consuming. The highly complex geometry and irregular shapes encountered in entire rotorcraft configurations are typically modeled using overset grids. Another promising approach is to utilize unstructured grid methods. With either approach the majority of time is spent manually setting up the topology. For less complicated geometries such as isolated rotor blades, less time is obviously required. This paper discusses the capabilities of a tool called Rotor blade Optimized Topology Organizer and Renderer(ROTOR) being developed to quickly generate block structured grids and unstructured tetrahedral grids about isolated blades. The key algorithm uses individual airfoil sections to construct a Non-Uniform Rational B-Spline(NURBS) surface representation of the rotor blade. This continuous surface definition can be queried to define the block topology used in constructing a structured mesh around the rotor blade. Alternatively, the surface definition can be used to define the surface patches and grid cell spacing requirements for generating unstructured surface and volume grids. Presently, the primary output for ROTOR is block structured grids using 0-H and H-H topologies suitable for full-potential solvers. This paper will discuss the present capabilities of the tool and highlight future work.

Shanmugasundaram, Ramakrishnan↗

Contact patterns in wild pigs ( Sus scrofa ) from GPS tracking reveal spatial and temporal dynamics of social behaviour

Wild pig ( Sus scrofa Linnaeus, 1758) social behaviour affects disease transmission and landscape-level population management. Recent research has incorporated analysis of social structure to better understand the risk of disease transmission in wild pigs, although the relationship between overall social structure of wild pigs remains unclear. Here, we seek to improve understanding of the spatial and temporal dynamics of wild pig social structure and contact rates to better inform management strategies. Using GPS tracking data, we measured home range overlap, and estimated contact rates of wild pigs at four study sites in the southern USA to identify pairwise social associations (i.e., contacts) based on synchronous movement. Contact rate was strongly associated with home range overlap, but exhibited substantial variation, especially at moderate levels of home range overlap. We found that female–female dyads had higher contact rates and longer duration phases of social association compared to female–male and male–male dyads. We found male–male dyads tended to experience social associations farther from their home range centers than female–female or female–male dyads. Social associations between wild pig dyads are highly dynamic in their spatial and temporal structure. Further, dyads with strong social associations still experience substantial time apart. Our findings highlight the challenges of predicting spatial and social associations in wild pig social pairs due to their dynamic social structure over space and time.

McIlraith, Jack R.↗

Probabilistic structural analysis of space propulsion system LOX post

The probabilistic structural analysis program NESSUS (Numerical Evaluation of Stochastic Structures Under Stress; Cruse et al., 1988) is applied to characterize the dynamic loading and response of the Space Shuttle main engine (SSME) LOX post. The design and operation of the SSME are reviewed; the LOX post structure is described; and particular attention is given to the generation of composite load spectra, the finite-element model of the LOX post, and the steps in the NESSUS structural analysis. The results are presented in extensive tables and graphs, and it is shown that NESSUS correctly predicts the structural effects of changes in the temperature loading. The probabilistic approach also facilitates (1) damage assessments for a given failure model (based on gas temperature, heat-shield gap, and material properties) and (2) correlation of the gas temperature with operational parameters such as engine thrust.

Newell, J. F.↗

Digital Image Correlation as an Experimental Modal Analysis Capability

Digital image correlation (DIC) is an established test technique in several fields including quasi-static displacement measurements. Recently there has been growing interest in using DIC to measure structural dynamic response and even extract modal parameters from that information. Although high-speed cameras have become more ubiquitous, there are no commercial end-to-end packages for modal analysis based on image data, particularly when combined with traditional data acquisition systems. As such, the practitioner is left to develop several key data processing capabilities, hardware interface equipment, and testing practices themselves. This work highlights several practical aspects that have been encountered while establishing DIC as a viable modal testing capability in a laboratory environment.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

Topological Analysis of Temporal Hypergraphs

In this work we study the topological properties of temporal hypergraphs. Hypergraphs provide a higher dimensional generalization of a graph that is capable of capturing multi-way connections. As such, they have become an integral part of network science. A common use of hypergraphs is to model events as hyperedges in which the event can involve many elements as nodes. This provides a more complete picture of the event in comparison to the standard dyadic connection limitation of a graph. However, a common attribution to events is temporal information as an interval for when the event occurred. Consequently, a temporal hypergraph is born which accurately captures both the temporal information of events as well as their multi-way connections. Common tools for studying these temporal hypergraphs typically use summary statistics of snapshots from a sliding window procedure to capture changes in the underlying dynamics. However, these do not provide insight into how the changing structure of the hypergraph evolves and which components of the temporal hypergraph persist and are influential to the underlying system. To alleviate this need we leverage zigzag persistence from the field of Topological Data Analysis (TDA) to study the change in topological structure of time-evolving hypergraphs. We apply our pipeline to both a cyber security and social network dataset and show how the topological structure of their temporal hypergraphs change and can be used to understand the underlying dynamics.

hypergraphs, topological data analysis, zigzag per↗

Stiffness matrix structural analysis

Computer program for stiffness of structure with lumped masses, weightless members, and many degrees of freedom - structural dynamics

COMPUTER PROGRAM↗

A numerical classical flutter analysis of advanced propellers

A three-dimensional Euler solver is coupled with a three-dimensional structural dynamics model to investigate flutter of propfans. An implicit-explicit hybrid scheme is used to reduce computational time for the solution of Euler equations. The aeroelastic equations are formulated in normal modes and are solved for flutter in frequency domain. The required generalized forces are obtained using a pulse response method. Computations show that the instability is dominated by the second mode frequency as was observed in experiment.

Srivastava, R.↗

Aeroelastic Analysis Using Deforming Cartesian Grids

Ongoing work in air-vehicle design illustrates the potential of advanced concepts to provide significant improvements in efficiency; but with their incorporation of lightweight flexible structures, such configurations may require active control systems to ensure reliability and safety. However, many contemporary analysis methods are inefficient for aeroelastic analysis and design of such configurations. This paper describes the development of a new approach that automates the geometry setup, mesh generation, and assembly of fluid–structural coupling interfaces to enable efficient aeroelastic and aeroservoelastic analysis of advanced concepts. The core elements for this approach are a cut-cell Cartesian grid-based computational fluid dynamics solver, a nonlinear beam element structural model, a conservative fluid–structural interface treatment, and the formulation and implementation of a new deforming grid capability within the cut-cell Cartesian grid solver. In this paper, emphasis is on this latter component with detailed description given of the mesh motion strategy, evaluation of fluxes and structural loads at the surface, and computation of geometrical properties such as cell volume, directed face areas, centroids, and motion-induced fluxes for deforming Cartesian grids required to advance the flow states. Aeroelastic simulations exercising the capability show favorable agreement with data and predictions in the literature for subsonic and supersonic applications.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Far-infrared structure in the nuclear region of M51

Far-infrared (100-micron) scans across the nucleus of M51 are presented. These scans show that much of the far-infrared luminosity of this galaxy comes from a small, sharply bounded region within a 30 arcsec radius (700 pc) of the nucleus. This radius corresponds to the innermost spiral structure, as well as that estimated from dynamical models for the radius of the inner Lindblad resonance. The results of a nonlinear image restoration analysis of the data are presented. This analysis, carried out with two different algorithms, yields information on the spatial structure of star formation near the nucleus that exceeds the diffraction limit of the telescope at this wavelength. This 'superresolution' treatment shows that star formation is enhanced at the outer edge of this region compared to the nucleus, which appears to be relatively devoid of young stars. This ring of active star formation may be produced in the same way as that seen in our own Galaxy at a galactocentric radius of 4-5 kpc and may indicate that the region near the nucleus has been swept clean of material by violent processes.

Lester, D. F.↗

Real-time flight test analysis and display techniques for the X-29A aircraft

The X-29A advanced technology demonstrator flight envelope expansion program and the subsequent flight research phase gave impetus to the development of several innovative real-time analysis and display techniques. These new techniques produced significant improvements in flight test productivity, flight research capabilities, and flight safety. These techniques include real-time measurement and display of in-flight structural loads, dynamic structural mode frequency and damping, flight control system dynamic stability and control response, aeroperformance drag polars, and aircraft specific excess power. Several of these analysis techniques also provided for direct comparisons of flight-measured results with analytical predictions. The aeroperformance technique was made possible by the concurrent development of a new simplified in-flight net thrust computation method. To achieve these levels of on-line flight test analysis, integration of ground and airborne systems was required. The capability of NASA Ames Research Center, Dryden Flight Research Facility's Western Aeronautical Test Range was a key factor in enabling implementation of these methods.

Hicks, John W.↗

Real-time flight test analysis and display techniques for the X-29A aircraft

The X-29A advanced technology demonstrator flight envelope expansion program and the subsequent flight research phase gave impetus to the development of several innovative real-time analysis and display techniques. These new techniques produced significant improvements in flight test productivity, flight research capabilities, and flight safety. These techniques include real-time measurement and display of in-flight structural loads, dynamic structural mode frequency and damping, flight control system dynamic stability and control response, aeroperformance drag polars, and aircraft specific excess power. Several of these analysis techniques also provided for direct comparisons of flight-measured results with analytical predictions. The aeroperformance technique was made possible by the concurrent development of a new simplified in-flight net thrust computation method. To achieve these levels of on-line flight test analysis, integration of ground and airborne systems was required. The capability of NASA Ames Research Center, Dryden Flight Research Facility's Western Aeronautical Test Range was a key factor to enable implementation of these methods.

Hicks, John W.↗

Aeromechanical stability analysis of a multirotor vehicle model representing a hybrid heavy lift airship (HHLA)

Hybrid Heavy Lift Airship (HHLA) is a proposed candidate vehicle aimed at providing heavy lift capability at low cost. This vehicle consists of a buoyant envelope attached to a supporting structure to which four rotor systems, taken from existing helicopters are attached. Nonlinear equations of motion capable of modelling the dynamics of this coupled multi-rotor/support frame/vehicle system have been developed. Using these equations of motion the aeroelastic and aeromechanical stability analysis is performed aimed at identifying potential instabilities which could occur for this type of vehicle. The coupling between various blade, supporting structure and rigid body modes is identified. Furthermore, the effects of changes in buoyancy ratio (Buoyant lift/total weight) on the dynamic characteristics of the vehicle are studied. The dynamic effects found are of considerable importance for the design of such vehicles. The analytical model developed is also useful for studying the aeromechanical stability of single rotor and tandem rotor coupled rotor/fuselage systems.

Venkatesan, C.↗

An experimental and analytical investigation of the effect of spanwise curvature on wing flutter at Mach number of 0.7

An experimental and analytical study was conducted at Mach 0.7 to investigate the effects of spanwise curvature on flutter. Two series of rectangular planform wings of aspect ration 1.5 and curvature ranging from zero (uncurved) to 1.04/ft were flutter tested in the NASA Langley Transonic Dynamics Tunnel (TDT). One series consisted of models with a NACA 65 A010 airfoil section and the other of flat plate cross section models. Flutter analyses were conducted for correlation with the experimental results by using structural finite element methods to perform vibration analysis and two aerodynamic theories to obtain unsteady aerodynamic load calculations. The experimental results showed that for one series of models the flutter dynamic pressure increased significantly with curvature while for the other series of models the flutter dynamic pressure decreased with curvature. The flutter analyses, which generally predicted the experimental results, indicated that the difference in behavior of the two series of models was primarily due to differences in their structural properties.

Rivera, Jose A., Jr.↗

Gas turbine rotor/case structural response to rotating stall: Experimental documentation and analytical approach

The forcing functions and structural responses characterizing gas turbine rotor/case system vibration due to rotating stall in an axial flow compressor are described. Two data sets with fundamentally different response characteristics are presented; one is supersynchronous and the other subsynchronous. Conventional beam element rotor dynamics analysis is shown to be severely limited in its ability to predict these responses. A new analytical approach, which significantly increases structural response predictive capability for these phenomena, is briefly discussed.

Haley, P. J.↗

Seismic analysis of nuclear power plant structures

Primary structures for nuclear power plants are designed to resist expected earthquakes of the site. Two intensities are referred to as Operating Basis Earthquake and Design Basis Earthquake. These structures are required to accommodate these seismic loadings without loss of their functional integrity. Thus, no plastic yield is allowed. The application of NASTRAN in analyzing some of these seismic induced structural dynamic problems is described. NASTRAN, with some modifications, can be used to analyze most structures that are subjected to seismic loads. A brief review of the formulation of seismic-induced structural dynamics is also presented. Two typical structural problems were selected to illustrate the application of the various methods of seismic structural analysis by the NASTRAN system.

Go, J. C.↗

A new paradigm in electron microscopy: Automated microstructure analysis utilizing a dynamic segmentation convolutional neutral network

Over the past half century, the transmission electron microscope enabled insight into the fundamental arrangements and structures of materials. State-of-the-art electron microscopes can acquire large image datasets across multiple imaging modalities. However, the manual annotation process for feature or defect quantification may not be feasible with the modern microscope. Convolutional neural networks emerged to characterize individual microstructural features from an image in a cost-effective, consistent manner. However, many of these neural network approaches rely on thousands to hundreds of thousands of manual annotations of each feature type across hundreds of images to train the network for adequate performance. This work focused on the development and application of a pixel-wise defect detection machine-learning dynamic segmentation convolutional neural network with associated automated acquisition and postprocessing to identify microstructural features rapidly and quantitatively from a small initial dataset incorporating multiple imaging modes. The approach was demonstrated for characterization of superalloy 718 from both single image acquisition on multiple detectors to in-situ evolution captured with a single detector on a standard desktop computer to demonstrate the low barrier to entry required for widespread adoption. Pixel-by-pixel class identification was excellent with strong identification of chemically distinct phases, structurally distinct phases, and defect structures, thus demonstrating the new paradigm of machine learning-assisted characterization.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Analysis of the effects of firing Orbiter primary reaction control system jets with an attached truss structure

A study was conducted to determine the dynamic effects of firing the orbiter primary reaction control jets during assembly of protoflight space station structure. Maximum longeron compressive load was calculated as a function of jet pulse time length, number of jet pulses, and total torque imposed by the reaction control jets. The study shows that it is possible to fire selected jets to achieve a pitch maneuver without causing failure of the attached structure.

Kaszubowski, M.↗