Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “Equivalence Method”

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 145 records · Page 8

Application of the rectilinear impact pseudostate method to modeling of third-body effects on interplanetary trajectories

Interplanetary transfer trajectories, subject to the third-body gravitational attraction of the departure and arrival planets, noticeably deviate from the conic Lambert theorem solutions. The pseudostate method represents a useful improvement over conic theory by allowing the spacecraft motion about the sun and each terminal body to be superimposed, provided certain rules are followed. The new variant of the method requires iteration on time along the two planetocentric rectilinear impact trajectories. The operational equivalence of the method to the point-to-point Lambert formulation is an attractive feature, already used to advantage in the generation of mission design data

Sergeyevsky, A. B.↗

Application of vector-valued rational approximations to the matrix eigenvalue problem and connections with Krylov subspace methods

Let F(z) be a vectored-valued function F: C approaches C sup N, which is analytic at z=0 and meromorphic in a neighborhood of z=0, and let its Maclaurin series be given. We use vector-valued rational approximation procedures for F(z) that are based on its Maclaurin series in conjunction with power iterations to develop bona fide generalizations of the power method for an arbitrary N X N matrix that may be diagonalizable or not. These generalizations can be used to obtain simultaneously several of the largest distinct eigenvalues and the corresponding invariant subspaces, and present a detailed convergence theory for them. In addition, it is shown that the generalized power methods of this work are equivalent to some Krylov subspace methods, among them the methods of Arnoldi and Lanczos. Thus, the theory provides a set of completely new results and constructions for these Krylov subspace methods. This theory suggests at the same time a new mode of usage for these Krylov subspace methods that were observed to possess computational advantages over their common mode of usage.

Sidi, Avram↗

Formal Requirements-Based Programming for Complex Systems

Computer science as a field has not yet produced a general method to mechanically transform complex computer system requirements into a provably equivalent implementation. Such a method would be one major step towards dealing with complexity in computing, yet it remains the elusive holy grail of system development. Currently available tools and methods that start with a formal model of a system and mechanically produce a provably equivalent implementation are valuable but not sufficient. The gap that such tools and methods leave unfilled is that the formal models cannot be proven to be equivalent to the system requirements as originated by the customer For the classes of complex systems whose behavior can be described as a finite (but significant) set of scenarios, we offer a method for mechanically transforming requirements (expressed in restricted natural language, or appropriate graphical notations) into a provably equivalent formal model that can be used as the basis for code generation and other transformations. While other techniques are available, this method is unique in offering full mathematical tractability while using notations and techniques that are well known and well trusted. We illustrate the application of the method to an example procedure from the Hubble Robotic Servicing Mission currently under study and preliminary formulation at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center.

Rash, James L.↗

Discontinuous dual-primal mixed finite elements for elliptic problems

We propose a novel discontinuous mixed finite element formulation for the solution of second-order elliptic problems. Fully discontinuous piecewise polynomial finite element spaces are used for the trial and test functions. The discontinuous nature of the test functions at the element interfaces allows to introduce new boundary unknowns that, on the one hand enforce the weak continuity of the trial functions, and on the other avoid the need to define a priori algorithmic fluxes as in standard discontinuous Galerkin methods. Static condensation is performed at the element level, leading to a solution procedure based on the sole interface unknowns. The resulting family of discontinuous dual-primal mixed finite element methods is presented in the one and two-dimensional cases. In the one-dimensional case, we show the equivalence of the method with implicit Runge-Kutta schemes of the collocation type exhibiting optimal behavior. Numerical experiments in one and two dimensions demonstrate the order accuracy of the new method, confirming the results of the analysis.

Bottasso, Carlo L.↗

Historical Perspective on Fast Coupled Loads Analysis Methods

Spacecraft structural designs are typically verified through a coupled loads analysis (CLA) process, which couples the spacecraft model with the launch vehicle (LV) model to predict low-frequency quasi-static and dynamic responses. The CLA calculations are typically the responsibility of the LV organization, but the spacecraft organization has a vested interest in being able to calculate approximate CLA results during the design of the spacecraft. Because of this, there has long been interest in a method that would allow a spacecraft organization to perform a CLA without access to the full set of LV models and forcing functions. One such method is the Norton-Thevenin Receptance Coupling (NTRC) approach, which is specifically designed to accurately transform LV free accelerations (no payload) into coupled system accelerations (LV plus payload). The purpose of this report is to provide historical context for the NTRC method and compare it with methods that have been used in the past. In particular, it is compared to a frequency-domain substitution method that had been used for a long period of time at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and a component-mode-based equivalent to that method.

Blelloch, Paul A.↗

Recursive Filtering And Smoothing In Robot Dynamics

Techniques developed originally for electronic systems also useful for multibody mechanical systems. Report summarizes methods developed to solve nonlinear forward-dynamics problem for robot of multiple-link arms connected by joints. Primary objective to show equivalence between recursive methods of dynamical analysis and some filtering and smoothing techniques from state-estimation theory.

Rodriguez, Guillermo↗

Methodology for Sensitivity Analysis, Approximate Analysis, and Design Optimization in CFD for Multidisciplinary Applications

An incremental iterative formulation together with the well-known spatially split approximate-factorization algorithm, is presented for solving the large, sparse systems of linear equations that are associated with aerodynamic sensitivity analysis. This formulation is also known as the 'delta' or 'correction' form. For the smaller two dimensional problems, a direct method can be applied to solve these linear equations in either the standard or the incremental form, in which case the two are equivalent. However, iterative methods are needed for larger two-dimensional and three dimensional applications because direct methods require more computer memory than is currently available. Iterative methods for solving these equations in the standard form are generally unsatisfactory due to an ill-conditioned coefficient matrix; this problem is overcome when these equations are cast in the incremental form. The methodology is successfully implemented and tested using an upwind cell-centered finite-volume formulation applied in two dimensions to the thin-layer Navier-Stokes equations for external flow over an airfoil. In three dimensions this methodology is demonstrated with a marching-solution algorithm for the Euler equations to calculate supersonic flow over the High-Speed Civil Transport configuration (HSCT 24E). The sensitivity derivatives obtained with the incremental iterative method from a marching Euler code are used in a design-improvement study of the HSCT configuration that involves thickness. camber, and planform design variables.

Taylor, Arthur C., III↗

Current distribution in a three-dimensional IC analyzed by a perturbation method. Part 1: A simple steady state theory

The steady state current distribution in a three dimensional integrated circuit is presented. A device physics approach, based on a perturbation method rather than an equivalent lumped circuit approach, is used. The perturbation method allows the various currents to be expressed in terms of elementary solutions which are solutions to very simple boundary value problems. A Simple Steady State Theory is the subtitle because the most obvious limitation of the present version of the analysis is that all depletion region boundary surfaces are treated as equipotential surfaces. This may be an adequate approximation in some applications but it is an obvious weakness in the theory when applied to latched states. Examples that illustrate the use of these analytical methods are not given because they will be presented in detail in the future.

Edmonds, Larry D.↗

Determination of the Fracture Parameters in a Stiffened Composite Panel

A modified J-integral, namely the equivalent domain integral, is derived for a three-dimensional anisotropic cracked solid to evaluate the stress intensity factor along the crack front using the finite element method. Based on the equivalent domain integral method with auxiliary fields, an interaction integral is also derived to extract the second fracture parameter, the T-stress, from the finite element results. The auxiliary fields are the two-dimensional plane strain solutions of monoclinic materials with the plane of symmetry at x(sub 3) = 0 under point loads applied at the crack tip. These solutions are expressed in a compact form based on the Stroh formalism. Both integrals can be implemented into a single numerical procedure to determine the distributions of stress intensity factor and T-stress components, T11, T13, and thus T33, along a three-dimensional crack front. The effects of plate thickness and crack length on the variation of the stress intensity factor and T-stresses through the thickness are investigated in detail for through-thickness center-cracked plates (isotropic and orthotropic) and orthotropic stiffened panels under pure mode-I loading conditions. For all the cases studied, T11 remains negative. For plates with the same dimensions, a larger size of crack yields larger magnitude of the normalized stress intensity factor and normalized T-stresses. The results in orthotropic stiffened panels exhibit an opposite trend in general. As expected, for the thicker panels, the fracture parameters evaluated through the thickness, except the region near the free surfaces, approach two-dimensional plane strain solutions. In summary, the numerical methods presented in this research demonstrate their high computational effectiveness and good numerical accuracy in extracting these fracture parameters from the finite element results in three-dimensional cracked solids.

Lin, Chung-Yi↗

Dark matter and the equivalence principle

A survey is presented of the current understanding of dark matter invoked by astrophysical theory and cosmology. Einstein's equivalence principle asserts that local measurements cannot distinguish a system at rest in a gravitational field from one that is in uniform acceleration in empty space. Recent test-methods for the equivalence principle are presently discussed as bases for testing of dark matter scenarios involving the long-range forces between either baryonic or nonbaryonic dark matter and ordinary matter.

Frieman, Joshua A.↗

Combined, nonlinear aerodynamic and structural method for the aeroelastic design of a three-dimensional wing in supersonic flow

An iterative procedure for the static aeroelastic design of a flexible wing at supersonic speeds has been developed. The procedure combines a nonlinear, full-potential solver (NCOREL) with an equivalent plate structural analysis method. The NCOREL method yields significantly improved aerodynamic estimates compared to linear theory. The equivalent plate structural analysis method demonstrates an order of magnitude reduction in computer memory and execution time compared to finite-element methods. A highly swept wing is analyzed at high lift using this aeroelastic procedure. The results indicate that the wing deforms favorably due to aerodynamic loading and, consequently, that the inviscid drag levels do not vary at the required lift coefficient although the angle of attack varies significantly. A sensitivity analysis of the type required for optimization studies was also performed with the aeroelastic design procedure.

Pittman, J. L.↗

Determination of parameters of a new method for predicting alloy properties

Recently, a semiempirical method for alloys based on equivalent crystal theory was introduced. The method successfully predicts the concentration dependence of the heat of formation and lattice parameter of binary alloys. A study of the parameters of the method is presented, along with new results for (gamma)Fe-Pd and (gamma)Fe-Ni alloys.

Bozzolo, Guillermo↗

Modification of a Macromechanical Finite-Element Based Model for Impact Analysis of Triaxially-Braided Composites

A macro level finite element-based model has been developed to simulate the mechanical and impact response of triaxially-braided polymer matrix composites. In the analytical model, the triaxial braid architecture is simulated by using four parallel shell elements, each of which is modeled as a laminated composite. For the current analytical approach, each shell element is considered to be a smeared homogeneous material. The commercial transient dynamic finite element code LS-DYNA is used to conduct the simulations, and a continuum damage mechanics model internal to LS-DYNA is used as the material constitutive model. The constitutive model requires stiffness and strength properties of an equivalent unidirectional composite. Simplified micromechanics methods are used to determine the equivalent stiffness properties, and results from coupon level tests on the braided composite are utilized to back out the required strength properties. Simulations of quasi-static coupon tests of several representative braided composites are conducted to demonstrate the correlation of the model. Impact simulations of a represented braided composites are conducted to demonstrate the capability of the model to predict the penetration velocity and damage patterns obtained experimentally.

Goldberg, Robert K.↗

Radar cross section of an open-ended circular waveguide Calculation of second-order diffraction terms

The radar cross section of an open-ended, semi-infinite circular waveguide is calculated by the geometrical theory of diffraction and the equivalent-current (EC) method. Both single- and double-diffraction terms are included. It is found that the double-diffraction term is stronger than the single-diffraction term for the horizontal polarization at wide-angle incidence. Its inclusion is necessary in order to check with experimental data and the asymptotic expansion of the exact Wiener-Hopf solution. The EC method is used for the single diffraction. On the other hand the double-diffraction term is obtained by using the EC method for axial incidence and geometrical theory of diffraction for wide-angle incidence. These two solutions are matched with a proper matching function. This technique is computationally more efficient than the matching technique of integration over the equivalent currents.

Lee, C. S.↗

Determining blood and plasma volumes using bioelectrical response spectroscopy

We hypothesized that an electric field (inductance) produced by charged blood components passing through the many branches of arteries and veins could assess total blood volume (TBV) or plasma volume (PV). Individual (N = 29) electrical circuits (inductors, two resistors, and a capacitor) were determined from bioelectrical response spectroscopy (BERS) using a Hewlett Packard 4284A Precision LCR Meter. Inductance, capacitance, and resistance from the circuits of 19 subjects modeled TBV (sum of PV and computed red cell volume) and PV (based on 125I-albumin). Each model (N = 10, cross validation group) had good validity based on 1) mean differences (-2.3 to 1.5%) between the methods that were not significant and less than the propagated errors (+/- 5.2% for TBV and PV), 2) high correlations (r > 0.92) with low SEE (< 7.7%) between dilution and BERS assessments, and 3) Bland-Altman pairwise comparisons that indicated "clinical equivalency" between the methods. Given the limitation of this study (10 validity subjects), we concluded that BERS models accurately assessed TBV and PV. Further evaluations of the models' validities are needed before they are used in clinical or research settings.

NASA Discipline Number 00-00↗

Wave propagation in a random medium

A simple technique is used to derive statistical characterizations of the perturbations imposed upon a wave (plane, spherical or beamed) propagating through a random medium. The method is essentially physical rather than mathematical, and is probably equivalent to the Rytov method. The limitations of the method are discussed in some detail; in general they are restrictive only for optical paths longer than a few hundred meters, and for paths at the lower microwave frequencies. Situations treated include arbitrary path geometries, finite transmitting and receiving apertures, and anisotropic media. Results include, in addition to the usual statistical quantities, time-lagged functions, mixed functions involving amplitude and phase fluctuations, angle-of-arrival covariances, frequency covariances, and other higher-order quantities.

Lee, R. W.↗

A Particle Batch Smoother Approach to Snow Water Equivalent Estimation

This paper presents a newly proposed data assimilation method for historical snow water equivalent SWE estimation using remotely sensed fractional snow-covered area fSCA. The newly proposed approach consists of a particle batch smoother (PBS), which is compared to a previously applied Kalman-based ensemble batch smoother (EnBS) approach. The methods were applied over the 27-yr Landsat 5 record at snow pillow and snow course in situ verification sites in the American River basin in the Sierra Nevada (United States). This basin is more densely vegetated and thus more challenging for SWE estimation than the previous applications of the EnBS. Both data assimilation methods provided significant improvement over the prior (modeling only) estimates, with both able to significantly reduce prior SWE biases. The prior RMSE values at the snow pillow and snow course sites were reduced by 68%-82% and 60%-68%, respectively, when applying the data assimilation methods. This result is encouraging for a basin like the American where the moderate to high forest cover will necessarily obscure more of the snow-covered ground surface than in previously examined, less-vegetated basins. The PBS generally outperformed the EnBS: for snow pillows the PBSRMSE was approx.54%of that seen in the EnBS, while for snow courses the PBSRMSE was approx.79%of the EnBS. Sensitivity tests show relative insensitivity for both the PBS and EnBS results to ensemble size and fSCA measurement error, but a higher sensitivity for the EnBS to the mean prior precipitation input, especially in the case where significant prior biases exist.

EnBS↗

Design and experimental verification of an equivalent forebody to produce disturbances equivalent to those of a forebody with flowing inlets

A method by which a simple equivalent faired body can be designed to replace a more complex body with flowing inlets has been demonstrated for supersonic flow. An analytically defined, geometrically simple faired inlet forebody has been designed using a linear potential code to generate flow perturbations equivalent to those produced by a much more complex forebody with inlets. An equivalent forebody wind-tunnel model was fabricated and a test was conducted in NASA Langley Research Center's Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel. The test Mach number range was 1.60 to 2.16 for angles of attack of -4 to 16 deg. Test results indicate that, for the purposes considered here, the equivalent forebody simulates the original flowfield disturbances to an acceptable degree of accuracy.

Haynes, Davy A.↗