Structural sizing by generalized, multilevel optimization
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Sobieszczanski-Sobieski, Jaroslaw↗
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Theoretical approaches to metal chemistry
Theoretical calculations on metals ranging from very accurate ab initio studies of diatomic and triatomic systems to model studies of larger clusters are presented. Recent improvements in the representation of one-particle and n-particle spaces have made possible the prediction that Al2 has a 3Pi(u) ground state, even though the 3Sigma(-)g state lies within 200/cm. Results suggest that cluster geometry varies dramatically with cluster size, and that rather large clusters are required before the bulk structure becomes optimal. Al cluster studies show that three-body terms are needed for quantitative agreement with ab initio calculations.
Bauschlicher, Charles W.↗
Low-energy impact resistance of graphite-epoxy plates and ALS honeycomb sandwich panels
Low energy impact may be potentially dangerous for many highly optimized stiff structures. Impact by foreign objects such as birds, ice, and runways stones or dropping of tools occur frequently and the resulting damage and stress concentrations may be unacceptable from a designer's standpoint. The barely visible, yet potentially dangerous dents due to impact of foreign objects on the Advanced Launch System (ALS) structure are studied. Of particular interest is the computation of the maximum peak impact force for a given impactor mass and initial velocity. The theoretical impact forces will be compared with the experimental dropweight results for the ALS face sheets alone as well as the ALS honeycomb sandwich panels.
Hui, David↗
28 percent efficient GaAs concentrator solar cells
AlGaAs/GaAs heteroface solar concentrator cells which exhibit efficiencies in excess of 27 percent at high solar concentrations (over 400 suns, AM1.5D, 100 mW/sq cm) have been fabricated with both n/p and p/n configurations. The best n/p cell achieved an efficiency of 28.1 percent around 400 suns, and the best p/n cell achieved an efficiency of 27.5 percent around 1000 suns. The high performance of these GaAs concentrator cells compared to earlier high-efficiency cells was due to improved control of the metal-organic chemical vapor deposition growth conditions and improved cell fabrication procedures (gridline definition and edge passivation). The design parameters of the solar cell structures and optimized grid pattern were determined with a realistic computer modeling program. An evaluation of the device characteristics and a discussion of future GaAs concentrator cell development are presented.
Macmillan, H. F.↗
Mg(+)-ligand binding energies
Ab initio calculations are used to optimize the structures and determine the binding energies of Mg(+) to a series of ligands. Mg(+) bonds electrostatically with benzene, acetone, H2, CO, and NH3 and a self-consistent-field treatment gives a good description of the bonding. The bonding in MgCN(+) and MgCH3(+) is largely covalent and a correlated treatment is required.
Bauschlicher, Charles W., Jr.↗
Al(+)-ligand binding energies
Ab initio calculations are used to optimize the structure and determine the binding energies of Al(+) to a series of ligands. For Al(+)-CN, the bonding was found to have a large covalent component. For the remaining ligands, the bonding is shown to be electrostatic in origin. The results obtained for Al(+) are compared with those previously reported for Mg(+).
Sodupe, M.↗
Structural damage identification using mathematical optimization techniques
An identification procedure is proposed to identify damage characteristics (location and size of the damage) from dynamic measurements. This procedure was based on minimization of the mean-square measure of difference between measurement data (natural frequencies and mode shapes) and the corresponding predictions obtained from the computational model. The procedure is tested for simulated damage in the form of stiffness changes in a simple fixed free spring mass system and symmetric cracks in a simply supported Bernoulli Euler beam. It is shown that when all the mode information is used in the identification procedure it is possible to uniquely determine the damage properties. Without knowing the complete set of modal information, a restricted region in the initial data space has been found for realistic and convergent solution from the identification process.
Shen, Mo-How Herman↗
Optimal interaction of indenter with inhomogeneous plate
Consideration is given to a new class of problems dealing with an optimal design of an inhomogeneous plate during dynamic penetration of the rigid indenter. The quality criterion of the process is defined by the specific mass of the target, which absorbs the given kinetic mass of the indenter. Parameters of control are expressed in terms of mechanical characteristics, i.e., distribution of density and the related hardness across the plate thickness. The maximum principle of Pontryagin is used to search for the piecewise continuous control function. With consideration of impact conditions and characteristics for a given class of material, an optimal target structure criterion was estimated for engineering applications.
Aptukov, Valery N.↗
Product Assurance Targeted to Meet Mission Objectives
Topics concerning the Common Lunar Lander for the Space Exploration Initiative are covered and include the following: product assurance tools and supports; project goals; and product assurance structured for optimal payback.
Mclaughlin, Diane↗
Preliminary design of a meteoroid/orbital debris shield system for a Mars mission spacecraft
A preliminary design of a spacecraft shield system to defeat meteoroids and orbital debris during a Mars mission is presented. The mission scenario is first defined in terms of stage times which include LEO, transit, low-Mars orbit, and Mars surface periods. The environment definitions for earth-orbital space debris, planetary meteoroids, and interplanetary meteoroids are next introduced. Shield system design approaches incorporate stochastic simulation, hydrocode analyses, hypervelocity impact testing, and optimization techniques. Structural design trades presented include spacecraft configuration, mission schedule, penetration risk, and total standoff distance between the bumper and wall.
Robinson, J. H.↗
Integrated Optimization By Multilevel Decomposition
Report presents method of integrated optimization of structure and its control system by multilevel decomposition.
Zeiler, Thomas A.↗
An explicit solution to the optimal LQG problem for flexible structures with collocated rate sensors
We present a class of compensators in explicit form (not requiring numerical computer calculations) for stabilizing flexible structures with collocated rate sensors. They are based on the explicit solution, valid for both Continuum and FEM Models, of the LQG problem for minimizing mean square rate. They are robust with respect to system stability (will not destabilize modes even with mismatch of parameters), can be instrumented in state space form suitable for digital controllers, and can be specified directly from the structure modes and mode 'signature' (displacement vectors at sensor locations). Some simulation results are presented for the NASA LaRC Phase-Zero Evolutionary Model - a modal Trust model with 86 modes - showing damping ratios attainable as a function of compensator design parameters and complexity.
Balakrishnan, A. V.↗
Progress in integrated-circuit horn antennas for receiver applications. Part 1: Antenna design
The purpose of this work is to present a systematic method for the design of multimode quasi-integrated horn antennas. The design methodology is based on the Gaussian beam approach and the structures are optimized for achieving maximum fundamental Gaussian coupling efficiency. For this purpose, a hybrid technique is employed in which the integrated part of the antennas is treated using full-wave analysis, whereas the machined part is treated using an approximate method. This results in a simple and efficient design process. The developed design procedure has been applied for the design of a 20, a 23, and a 25 dB quasi-integrated horn antennas, all with a Gaussian coupling efficiency exceeding 97 percent. The designed antennas have been tested and characterized using both full-wave analysis and 90 GHz/370 GHz measurements.
Eleftheriades, George V.↗
Status of the NASA Balloon Program
The NASA Balloon Program (BP) is examined in an overview of design philosophy, R&D activities, flight testing, and the development of a long-duration balloon for Antarctic use. The Balloon Recovery Program was developed to qualify the use of existing films and to design improved materials and seals. Balloon flights are described for studying the supernova SN1987a, and systems were developed to enhance balloon campaigns including mobile launch vehicles and tracking/data-acquisition systems. The technical approach to long-duration ballooning is reviewed which allows the use of payloads of up to 1350 kg for two to three weeks. The BP is responsible for the development of several candidate polyethylene balloon films as well as design/performance standards for candidate balloons. Specific progress is noted in reliability and in R&D with respect to optimization of structural design, resin blending, and extrusion.
Needleman, H. C.↗
New approximation of frequency response for structural synthesis and parameter identification
This paper presents two approaches that will improve the accuracy of explicit approximations of frequency responses. They are important components of structural design optimization and system identification. The first is a product form approximation that improves approximated frequency responses near resonant conditions. This approach is applicable to both design optimization and system identification problems. The second is aimed at improving the computed sensitivity coefficients that are used to solve system identification problems.
Miura, Hirokazu↗
Computational mechanics analysis tools for parallel-vector supercomputers
Computational algorithms for structural analysis on parallel-vector supercomputers are reviewed. These parallel algorithms, developed by the authors, are for the assembly of structural equations, 'out-of-core' strategies for linear equation solution, massively distributed-memory equation solution, unsymmetric equation solution, general eigensolution, geometrically nonlinear finite element analysis, design sensitivity analysis for structural dynamics, optimization search analysis and domain decomposition. The source code for many of these algorithms is available.
Storaasli, Olaf O.↗
Topology and layout optimization of discrete and continuum structures
The basic features of the ground structure method for truss structure an continuum problems are described. Problems with a large number of potential structural elements are considered using the compliance of the structure as the objective function. The design problem is the minimization of compliance for a given structural weight, and the design variables for truss problems are the cross-sectional areas of the individual truss members, while for continuum problems they are the variable densities of material in each of the elements of the FEM discretization. It is shown how homogenization theory can be applied to provide a relation between material density and the effective material properties of a periodic medium with a known microstructure of material and voids.
Bendsoe, Martin P.↗
Optimal design of a composite structure
This paper presents a design methodology for a laminated composite stiffened panel, subjected to multiple in-plane loads and bending moments. Design variables include the skin and stiffener ply orientation angles and stiffener geometry variables. Optimum designs are sought which minimize structural weight and satisfy mechanical performance requirements. Two types of mechanical performance requirements are placed on the panel, maximum strain and minimum strength. Minimum weight designs are presented which document that the choice of mechanical performance requirements cause changes in the optimum design. The effects of lay-up constraints which limit the ply angles to user specified values, such as symmetric or quasi-isotropic laminates, are also investigated.
Graesser, D. L.↗