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At least 1,243 records · Page 69

The matrix exponential in transient structural analysis

The primary usefulness of the presented theory is in the ability to represent the effects of high frequency linear response with accuracy, without requiring very small time steps in the analysis of dynamic response. The matrix exponential contains a series approximation to the dynamic model. However, unlike the usual analysis procedure which truncates the high frequency response, the approximation in the exponential matrix solution is in the time domain. By truncating the series solution to the matrix exponential short, the solution is made inaccurate after a certain time. Yet, up to that time the solution is extremely accurate, including all high frequency effects. By taking finite time increments, the exponential matrix solution can compute the response very accurately. Use of the exponential matrix in structural dynamics is demonstrated by simulating the free vibration response of multi degree of freedom models of cantilever beams.

Minnetyan, Levon↗

Error propagation in a digital avionic mini processor

A methodology is introduced and demonstrated for the study of error propagation from the gate to the chip level. The importance of understanding error propagation derives from its close tie with system activity. In this system the target system is BDX-930, a digital avionic multiprocessor. The simulator used was developed at NASA-Langley, and is a gate level, event-driven, unit delay, software logic simulator. An approach is highly structured and easily adapted to other systems. The analysis shows the nature and extent of the dependency of error propagation on microinstruction type, assembly level instruction, and fault-free gate activity.

Lomelino, Dale L.↗

Calculating Dynamic Shear Moduli Of Polymers

Improved nonlinear mathematical model developed to fit experimental data on relaxation of stresses in viscoelastic materials. Developed specifically to study shear moduli of rubbery solid rocket propellants, also used to characterize polymers in general, other viscoelastic materials, and composites of viscoelastic materials. Facilitates and improves accuracy of analysis and numerical simulation of mechanical behavior of structural components (for example, tires) made of such materials.

Moore, Carleton J.↗

Development of three-dimensional code for the analysis of jet mixing problem. Part 1: Laminar solution

Future aircraft will eventually feature nonaxisymmetric or rectangular nozzles. Developing a three-dimensional code to stimulate the characteristics of the jet exhaust plume, issuing from nonaxisymmetric nozzles, in general, at different flight conditions, is very important. Two three-dimensional codes were developed to simulate the shock-cell structure of circular nozzles. These codes were developed to solve the parabolized and simplified Navier-Stokes equations respectively. Both codes are based on a method previously developed by Newsome et al. These codes are fully vectorized on the VPS 32 at NASA Langley Research Center. The axisymmetric underexpanded supersonic jet flow problem, exhausting into still air, was used as a test case for developing an efficient three-dimensional problems and preserving crossplane symmetry of the flow downstream of the jet exit.

Abdol-Hamid, Khaled S.↗

Aeroelastic modeling for the FIT (Functional Integration Technology) team F/A-18 simulation

As part of Langley Research Center's commitment to developing multidisciplinary integration methods to improve aerospace systems, the Functional Integration Technology (FIT) team was established to perform dynamics integration research using an existing aircraft configuration, the F/A-18. An essential part of this effort has been the development of a comprehensive simulation modeling capability that includes structural, control, and propulsion dynamics as well as steady and unsteady aerodynamics. The structural and unsteady aerodynamics contributions come from an aeroelastic mode. Some details of the aeroelastic modeling done for the Functional Integration Technology (FIT) team research are presented. Particular attention is given to work done in the area of correction factors to unsteady aerodynamics data.

Zeiler, Thomas A.↗

Three-dimensional calculations for underexpanded and overexpanded supersonic jet flows

A three-dimensional code is developed to simulate the characteristics of the jet exhaust plume issuing from nonaxisymmetric nozzles at different flight conditions. In the present paper, the time-iterative Space Marching Scheme (SMS) is used to simulate the shock-cell structure of underexpanded supersonic jet issued from round and square nozzles. Also, the computational results are compared with the experimental data from underexpanded and overexpanded supersonic round jets. The agreement with the experimental data validates the applicability of the new technique for predicting the shock-cell structure of supersonic jet flows. The computational results reveals that the azimuthal structure of the supersonic square jet changed as the jet progressed downstream of the exit nozzle.

Abdol-Hamid, Khaled S.↗

NASA rotorcraft technology for the 21st century

Current and planned rotorcraft technology-related research at NASA's Ames, Lewis, and Langley research centers is discussed with a view to the fruits of these efforts beyond the year 2000. Examples of promising technologies are higher-harmonic and dynamic rotor controls, advanced structural composites, aerodynamics and acoustics simulation models for design predictions, automated flight controls, and high-reliability rotor drivetrains. The overall payoff from an integration of these technologies will allow safe automated flying in all weather conditions, as well as precision-hover and exceptionally low noise and vibration levels.

Albers, James A.↗

Characterization of thunderstorm induced Maxwell current densities in the middle atmosphere

Middle atmospheric transient Maxwell current densities generated by lightning induced charge perturbations are investigated via a simulation of Maxwell's equations. A time domain finite element analysis is employed for the simulations. The atmosphere is modeled as a region contained within a right circular cylinder with a height of 110 km and radius of 80 km. A composite conductivity profile based on measured data is used when charge perturbations are centered about the vertical axis at altitudes of 6 and 10 km. The simulations indicate that the temporal structure of the Maxwell current density is relatively insensitive to altitude variation within the region considered. It is also shown that the electric field and Maxwell current density are not generally aligned.

Baginski, Michael Edward↗

A new second-order integration algorithm for simulating mechanical dynamic systems

A new integration algorithm which has the simplicity of Euler integration but exhibits second-order accuracy is described. In fixed-step numerical integration of differential equations for mechanical dynamic systems the method represents displacement and acceleration variables at integer step times and velocity variables at half-integer step times. Asymptotic accuracy of the algorithm is twice that of trapezoidal integration and ten times that of second-order Adams-Bashforth integration. The algorithm is also compatible with real-time inputs when used for a real-time simulation. It can be used to produce simulation outputs at double the integration frame rate, i.e., at both half-integer and integer frame times, even though it requires only one evaluation of state-variable derivatives per integration step. The new algorithm is shown to be especially effective in the simulation of lightly-damped structural modes. Both time-domain and frequency-domain accuracy comparisons with traditional integration methods are presented. Stability of the new algorithm is also examined.

Howe, R. M.↗

Calculation of rotor impedance for use in design analysis of helicopter airframe vibrations

Excessive vibration is one of the most prevalent technical obstacles encountered in the development of new rotorcraft. The inability to predict these vibrations is primarily due to deficiencies in analysis and simulation tools. The Langley Rotorcraft Structural Dynamics Program was instituted in 1984 to meet long term industry needs in the area of rotorcraft vibration prediction. As a part of the Langley program, this research endeavors to develop an efficient means of coupling the rotor to the airframe for preliminary design analysis of helicopter airframe vibrations. The main effort was to modify the existing computer program for modeling the dynamic and aerodynamic behavior of rotorcraft called DYSCO (DYnamic System COupler) to calculate the rotor impedance. DYSCO was recently developed for the U.S. Army and has proven to be adaptable for the inclusion of new solution methods. The solution procedure developed to use DYSCO for the calculation of rotor impedance is presented. Verification of the procedure by comparison with a known solution for a simple wind turbine model is about 75 percent completed, and initial results are encouraging. After the wind turbine impedance is confirmed, the verification effort will continue by comparison to solutions of a more sophisticated rotorcraft model. Future work includes determination of the sensitivity of the rotorcraft airframe vibrations to helicopter flight conditions and rotor modeling assumptions. When completed, this research will ascertain the feasibility and efficiency of the impedance matching method of rotor-airframe coupling for use in the analysis of airframe vibrations during the preliminary rotorcraft design process.

Nygren, Kip P.↗

A review of near-wall Reynolds-stress

The advances made in second-order near-wall turbulence closures are summarized. All closures examined are based on some form of high Reynolds number models for the Reynolds stress and the turbulent kinetic energy dissipation rate equations. Consequently, most near-wall closures proposed to data attempt to modify the high Reynolds number models for the dissipation rate equation so that the resultant models are applicable all the way to the wall. The near-wall closures are examined for their asymptotic behavior so that they can be compared with the proper near-wall behavior of the exact equations. A comparison of the closure's performance in the calculation of a low Reynolds number plane channel flow is carried out. In addition, the closures are evaluated for their ability to predict the turbulence statistics and the limiting behavior of the structure parameters compared to direct simulation data.

So, R. M. C.↗

Techniques for hot structures testing

Hot structures test techniques developed and applied by the Aerostructures Branch of the NASA Ames Research Center, Dryden Flight Research Facility, are presented. Topics covered include the data acquisition and control of testing, the quartz lamp heater systems, current strain and temperature sensors, and hot structures test techniques used to simulate the flight thermal environment in the laboratory.

Deangelis, V. Michael↗

Mantle convection with internal heating and pressure-dependent thermal expansivity

Recent laboratory work suggests that the thermal expansivity alpha of the mantle decreases strongly with pressure. alpha determines the buoyancy of plumes and the rate at which plumes lose their thermal signature as they rise, and so may be expected to have a strong influence on the temperature and velocity structure of the mantle. Numerical simulations were conducted on convection in an internally heated, compressible mantle including constant and pressure-dependent alpha and thermal conductivity kappa. They show that a pressure-dependent alpha allows the existence of thermal plumes rising from the core-mantle boundary, however the plumes are weak and dissipate higher in the mantle.

Leitch, A. M.↗

Numerical study of subcritical flow with fluid injection

It is suggested that the study of synthetic flows, where controlled experiments can be performed, is useful in understanding turbulent flow structures. The early states of formation of hairpin structures in shear flows and the subsequent evolution of these structures is studied in shear flows and the subsequent evolution of these structures is studied through numerical simulations, by developing full-time dependent three-dimensional flow solution of an initially laminar (subcritical) flow in which injection of fluid through a narrow streamwise slot from the bottom wall of a plate is carried out. Details of the numerical approach and significance of the present findings are reported in this work.

Balasubramanian, R.↗

Multi-disciplinary optimization of aeroservoelastic systems

New methods were developed for efficient aeroservoelastic analysis and optimization. The main target was to develop a method for investigating large structural variations using a single set of modal coordinates. This task was accomplished by basing the structural modal coordinates on normal modes calculated with a set of fictitious masses loading the locations of anticipated structural changes. The following subject areas are covered: (1) modal coordinates for aeroelastic analysis with large local structural variations; and (2) time simulation of flutter with large stiffness changes.

Karpel, Mordechay↗

Development of theoretical models of integrated millimeter wave antennas

Extensive radiation patterns for Linear Tapered Slot Antenna (LTSA) Single Elements are presented. The directivity of LTSA elements is predicted correctly by taking the cross polarized pattern into account. A moment method program predicts radiation patterns for air LTSAs with excellent agreement with experimental data. A moment method program was also developed for the task LTSA Array Modeling. Computations performed with this program are in excellent agreement with published results for dipole and monopole arrays, and with waveguide simulator experiments, for more complicated structures. Empirical modeling of LTSA arrays demonstrated that the maximum theoretical element gain can be obtained. Formulations were also developed for calculating the aperture efficiency of LTSA arrays used in reflector systems. It was shown that LTSA arrays used in multibeam systems have a considerable advantage in terms of higher packing density, compared with waveguide feeds. Conversion loss of 10 dB was demonstrated at 35 GHz.

Yngvesson, K. Sigfrid↗

The plasma physics of shock acceleration

The history and theory of shock acceleration is reviewed, paying particular attention to theories of parallel shocks which include the backreaction of accelerated particles on the shock structure. The work that computer simulations, both plasma and Monte Carlo, are playing in revealing how thermal ions interact with shocks and how particle acceleration appears to be an inevitable and necessary part of the basic plasma physics that governs collisionless shocks is discussed. Some of the outstanding problems that still confront theorists and observers in this field are described.

Jones, Frank C.↗

Multiplexed noise shaping structures for Delta-Sigma modulators

A new structure for realizing a multiplexed noise-shaping A/D convertor is proposed. It improves the performance of first- or second-order Delta-Sigma modulators by employing additional feedback paths for suppressing the quantizer error. The structure, its theoretical analysis, and simulations confirming the improved resolution are presented.

Czarnul, Z.↗