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The application of NASTRAN to a wide variety of static and dynamic structural problems is discussed. The following topics are focused upon: (1) methods of analysis; (2) hydroelastic methods; (3) complete analysis of structures; (4) elements and material studies; (5) critical comparisons with other programs; and (6) pre- and post-processor operations.
Photogrammetry--the science of calculating 3D object coordinates from images--is a flexible and robust approach for measuring the static and dynamic characteristics of future ultra-lightweight and inflatable space structures (a.k.a., Gossamer structures), such as large membrane reflectors, solar sails, and thin-film solar arrays. Shape and dynamic measurements are required to validate new structural modeling techniques and corresponding analytical models for these unconventional systems. This paper summarizes experiences at NASA Langley Research Center over the past three years to develop or adapt photogrammetry methods for the specific problem of measuring Gossamer space structures. Turnkey industrial photogrammetry systems were not considered a cost-effective choice for this basic research effort because of their high purchase and maintenance costs. Instead, this research uses mainly off-the-shelf digital-camera and software technologies that are affordable to most organizations and provide acceptable accuracy.
Photogrammetry--the science of calculating 3D object coordinates from images-is a flexible and robust approach for measuring the static and dynamic characteristics of future ultralightweight and inflatable space structures (a.k.a., Gossamer structures), such as large membrane reflectors, solar sails, and thin-film solar arrays. Shape and dynamic measurements are required to validate new structural modeling techniques and corresponding analytical models for these unconventional systems. This paper summarizes experiences at NASA Langley Research Center over the past three years to develop or adapt photogrammetry methods for the specific problem of measuring Gossamer space structures. Turnkey industrial photogrammetry systems were not considered a cost-effective choice for this basic research effort because of their high purchase and maintenance costs. Instead, this research uses mainly off-the-shelf digital-camera and software technologies that are affordable to most organizations and provide acceptable accuracy.
A numerical method is presented to implement structural design sensitivity analysis theory, using the versatility and convenience of existing finite element structural analysis programs. Design variables such as thickness and cross-sectional areas of components of individual members and built-up structures are considered. Structural performance functionals considered include displacement and stress. The method is also applicable for eigenvalue problem design sensitivity analysis. It is shown that calculations can be carried out outside existing finite element codes, using postprocessing data only. Thus, design sensitivity analysis software does not have to be embedded in an existing finite element code. Feasability of the method is shown through analysis of several problems, including a built-up structure. Accurate design sensitivity results are obtained without the uncertainty of numerical accuracy associated with selection of finite difference perturbations.
An automated digital computer procedure is presented for the accurate and efficient solution of the plastic buckling problem of structures. This is achieved by a Sturm sequence method employing a bisection strategy, which eliminates the need for having to solve the buckling eigenvalue problem at each incremental (decremental) loading stage that is associated with the usual solution techniques. The plastic buckling mode shape is determined by a simple inverse iteration process, once the buckling load has been established. Numerical results are presented for plate problems with various edge conditions. The resulting computer program written in FORTRAN V for the JPL UNIVAC 1108 machine proves to be most economical in comparison with other existing methods of such analysis.
A numerical method is presented for the solution of nonlinear discrete optimization problems. The applicability of discrete optimization to engineering design is discussed, and several standard structural optimization problems are solved using discrete design variables. The method uses approximation techniques to create subproblems suitable for linear mixed-integer programming methods. The method employs existing software for continuous optimization and integer programming.
Computational methods for global/local analysis of structures which include both uncoupled and coupled methods are described. In addition, global/local analysis methodology for automatic refinement of incompatible global and local finite element models is developed. Representative structural analysis problems are presented to demonstrate the global/local analysis methods.
A thermoviscoplastic finite element method employing the Bodner-Partom constitutve model is used to investigate the response of simplified thermal-structural models to intense local heating. The computational method formulates the problem in rate and advances the solution in time by numerical integration. The thermoviscoplastic response of simplified structures with prescribed temperatures is investigated. With rapid rises of temperature, the nickel alloy structures display initially higher yield stresses due to strain rate effects. As temperatures approach elevated values, yield stress and stiffness degrade rapidly and pronounced plastic deformation occurs.
The development of a gridless computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method for the solution of the two-dimensional Euler and Navier-Stokes equations is described. The method uses only clouds of points and does not require that the points be connected to form a grid as is necessary in conventional CFD algorithms. The gridless CFD approach appears to resolve the problems and inefficiencies encountered with structured or unstructured grid methods. As a result, the method offers the greatest potential for accurately and efficiently solving viscous flows about complex aircraft configurations. The method is described in detail, and calculations are presented for standard Euler and Navier-Stokes cases to assess the accuracy and efficiency of the capability.
A wide range of eigenvalue problems encountered in practical structural engineering analyses is defined, in which the structures are assumed to be discretized by any suitable technique such as the finite-element method. A review of the usual numerical procedures for the solution of such eigenvalue problems is presented and is followed by an extensive account of recently developed eigenproblem solution procedures. Particular emphasis is placed on the new numerical algorithms and associated computer programs based on the Sturm sequence method. Eigenvalue algorithms developed for efficient solution of natural frequency and buckling problems of structures are presented, as well as some eigenvalue procedures formulated in connection with the solution of quadratic matrix equations associated with free vibration analysis of structures. A new algorithm is described for natural frequency analysis of damped structural systems.
The objective of the Probabilistic Structural Analysis Methods (PSAM) project is to develop analysis techniques and computer programs for predicting the probabilistic response of critical structural components for current and future space propulsion systems. This technology will play a central role in establishing system performance and durability. The first year's technical activity is concentrating on probabilistic finite element formulation strategy and code development. Work is also in progress to survey critical materials and space shuttle mian engine components. The probabilistic finite element computer program NESSUS (Numerical Evaluation of Stochastic Structures Under Stress) is being developed. The final probabilistic code will have, in the general case, the capability of performing nonlinear dynamic of stochastic structures. It is the goal of the approximate methods effort to increase problem solving efficiency relative to finite element methods by using energy methods to generate trial solutions which satisfy the structural boundary conditions. These approximate methods will be less computer intensive relative to the finite element approach.
This paper proposes a method, based on substructuring, to solve nonlinear structural analysis problems on multiprocessor computers. Background information is given on the use of substructuring in large-scale finite element programs and computational time distributions for the major components for an example nonlinear finite element analysis are discussed. Implementation of the substructuring method on a typical multiprocessor computer is described and estimates are made of expected reductions in computation times based on nonlinear substructuring results obtained on a single processor computer.
Finite difference approximation of transonic flow problems is a well-developed and largely successful approach. Nevertheless, there is still a real need to develop finite element methods for applications arising from fluid-structure interactions and problems with complicated boundaries. In this paper a least squares based finite element scheme is introduced. It is shown that, if suitably formulated, such an approach can lead to physically meaningful results. Bottlenecks that arise from such schemes are also discussed.
The problem of designing fine-pointing controllers is considered for large, flexible space structures using modern multivariable synthesis methods. The first method is an iterative procedure which utilizes frequency-domain singular-value techniques, and is found to yield satisfactory performance and robustness. For the second method, which is based on coprime factorizations, a particular bicoprime is obtained, and the steps in the design process are described. This method is still under development.
This study investigates the use of H2, p-synthesis, and mixed H2/mu methods to construct full-order controllers and optimized controllers of fixed dimensions. The benchmark problem definition is first extended to include uncertainty within the controller bandwidth in the form of parametric uncertainty representative of uncertainty in the natural frequencies of the design model. The sensitivity of H2 design to unmodelled dynamics and parametric uncertainty is evaluated for a range of controller levels of authority. Next, mu-synthesis methods are applied to design full-order compensators that are robust to both unmodelled dynamics and to parametric uncertainty. Finally, a set of mixed H2/mu compensators are designed which are optimized for a fixed compensator dimension. These mixed norm designs recover the H, design performance levels while providing the same levels of robust stability as the u designs. It is shown that designing with the mixed norm approach permits higher levels of controller authority for which the H, designs are destabilizing. The benchmark problem is that of an active tendon system. The controller designs are all based on the use of acceleration feedback.
Recent advances in parallel methods and algorithms integrated into large-scale codes are presented. Consideration is given to problem decomposition (substructuring), efficient matrix solution algorithms for shared memory architectures, dynamic and transient analysis algorithms for shared memory architectures, and algorithms for distributed and massively parallel architectures. Particular attention is given to partitioning of unstructured problems for parallel processing, parallel-vector computation for linear-structural analysis and nonlinear unconstraint optimization problems, a parallel-vector equation solver for unsymmetric matrices on supercomputers, parallel nonlinear finite element dynamic response, multigrid algorithms for solving structural mechanics problems on supercomputers, structural analysis on massively parallel computers, explicit finite element methods with contact-impact on SIMD computers, and the impact of mapping and sparsity on parallelized finite element method modules.
This report deals with the calculation of the bending moments in and the distortions of fuselage rings upon which known concentrated and distributed loads are acting. In the procedure suggested, the ring is divided into a number of beams each having a constant radius of curvature. The forces and moments caused in the end sections of the beams by individual unit displacements of the end sections are listed in a table designated as the operations table in conformity with Southwell's nomenclature. The operations table and the external loads are equivalent to a set of linear equations. For their solution the following three procedures are presented: 1) Southwell's method of systematic relaxations. This is a step-by-step approximation procedure guided by the physical interpretation of the changes in the values of the unknown. 2) The growing unit procedure in which the individual beams are combined successively into beams of increasing length until finally the entire ring becomes a single beam. In each step of the procedure a set of not more than three simultaneous linear equations is solved. 3) Solution of the entire set of simultaneous equations by the methods of the matrix calculus. In order to demonstrate the manner in which the calculations may be carried out, the following numerical examples are worked out: 1) Curved beam with both its end sections rigidly fixed. The load is a concentrated force. 2) Egg-shape ring with symmetric concentrated loads. 3) Circular ring with antisymmetric concentrated loads and shear flow (torsion of the fuselage). 4) Same with V-braces incorporated in the ring. 5) Egg-shape ring with antisymmetric concentrated loads and shear flow (torsion of the fuselage). 6) Same with V-braces incorporated in the ring. The results of these calculations are checked, whenever possible, by calculations carried out according to known methods of analysis. The agreement is found to be good. The amount of work necessary for the solution of ring problems by the methods described in the present report is practically independent of the degree of redundancy of the structure. For this reason the methods are recommended for use particularly in problems of rings having one or more internal bracing elements.
Large scale space missions of the near future will depend upon successful multi-launch coordination and construction in the space environment. One of the main challenges is how to accomplish a valid global analysis of a construction project with the intent of improving safety, reducing overall mission cost, and total construction time. These three items are dependent on the interruptability of the project, which is the ability of the project to recover from unplanned interruptions; such as failure of the launch vehicle; sudden, on-orbit, crew illness; or damage from a space debris impact on the partially completed space structure. A new method for addressing and analyzing this type of problem is being developed. The method is called Program Interruptability and Risk Evaluation Technique, or PIRET. PIRET has been developed in order to model and analyze potential interruptability concerns of the construction of the U.S. Space Station Freedom (SSF), although PIRET is applicable to any complex, multi-launch structural assembly. This paper is a progress report on the continuing research of the NASA Center for Space Construction at the University of Colorado, Boulder into this area of space construction interruptability. The paper will define the problem of interruptability, will diagram the PIRET approach to space construction, will share results from a preliminary PIRET analysis of SSF, and will show that PIRET is a useful tool for modelling space construction interruptability.