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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.

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At least 1,765 records · Page 98
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1978

Saturn's rings: Particle composition and size distribution as constrained by microwave observations. I - Radar observations

The radar backscattering characteristics of compositional and structural models of Saturn's rings are calculated and compared with observations of the absolute value, wavelength dependence, and degree of depolarization of the rings' radar cross section (reflectivity). The doubling method is used to calculate reflectivities for systems that are many particles thick using optical depths derived from observations at visible wavelengths. If the rings are many particles thick, irregular centimeter- to meter-sized particles composed primarily of water ice attain sufficiently high albedos and scattering efficiencies to explain the radar observations. In that case, the wavelength independence of radar reflectivity implies the existence of a broad particle size distribution; a narrower size distribution is also a possibility. Particles of primarily silicate composition are ruled out by the radar observations. Purely metallic particles may not be ruled out on the basis of existing radar observations. A monolayer of very large ice 'particles' that exhibit multiple internal scattering may not yet be ruled out.

Cuzzi, J. N.↗
NASA NTRS1978

A methodology for selecting optimum organizations for space communities

This paper suggests that a methodology exists for selecting optimum organizations for future space communities of various sizes and purposes. Results of an exploratory study to identify an optimum hypothetical organizational structure for a large earth-orbiting multidisciplinary research and applications (R&A) Space Base manned by a mixed crew of technologists are presented. Since such a facility does not presently exist, in situ empirical testing was not possible. Study activity was, therefore, concerned with the identification of a desired organizational structural model rather than the empirical testing of it. The principal finding of this research was that a four-level project type 'total matrix' model will optimize the effectiveness of Space Base technologists. An overall conclusion which can be reached from the research is that application of this methodology, or portions of it, may provide planning insights for the formal organizations which will be needed during the Space Industrialization Age.

Ragusa, J. M.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Minicomputer version of SPAR

SPAR (Structural Performance Analysis and Redesign Program), powerful tool for efficiently solving finite-element structural analysis problems, has been implemented on minicomputers. System analyzes stress, buckling, vibration, and thermal loads of large linear finite-element structural models.

Storaasli, O. O.↗
NASA NTRS1979

SAINT: A combined simulation language for modeling man-machine systems

SAINT (Systems Analysis of Integrated Networks of Tasks) is a network modeling and simulation technique for design and analysis of complex man machine systems. SAINT provides the conceptual framework for representing systems that consist of discrete task elements, continuous state variables, and interactions between them. It also provides a mechanism for combining human performance models and dynamic system behaviors in a single modeling structure. The SAINT technique is described and applications of the SAINT are discussed.

Seifert, D. J.↗
NASA NTRS1978

A multi-microprocessor system for finite element structural analysis

During the last few years, advances in microprocessor technology have spurred a renewed interest in special-purpose computers. The microprocessor has become small, inexpensive, and powerful enough to be considered as a building block for special-purpose hardware. A description is presented of the architecture of a prototype 'finite element machine' currently being built. Attention is given to details regarding the finite element analysis problem, the arrangement of the processors as finite element nodes in the structural model, the influence of the architecture on the solution algorithm, interprocessor communication primitives, and the performance of the finite element machine.

Jordan, H. F.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Programs for analysis and resizing of complex structures

The paper describes the PARS (Programs for Analysis and Resizing of Structures) system. PARS is a user oriented system of programs for the minimum weight design of structures modeled by finite elements and subject to stress, displacement, flutter and thermal constraints. The system is built around SPAR - an efficient and modular general purpose finite element program, and consists of a series of processors that communicate through the use of a data base. An efficient optimizer based on the Sequence of Unconstrained Minimization Technique (SUMT) with an extended interior penalty function and Newton's method is used. Several problems are presented for demonstration of the system capabilities.

Haftka, R. T.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Numerical computation of aeroelastically corrected transonic loads

A numerical scheme is presented for the computation of transonic aerodynamic loads on flexible wings. The method consists of iteratively applying the loads computed by a 3D transonic aerodynamics code to a structural model to obtain elastic twist, and then recomputing the loads. Because this iteration is performed concurrently with the iterations performed in computing the aerodynamics, flexible loads are obtained in roughly the same amount of computing time as required to obtain rigid loads. Applications of this method to a flexible supercritical transonic transport wing are presented and compared with model test data.

Chipman, R.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Stability and control of future spacecraft systems

A brief review is presented of some of the problem areas associated with large space structures and some of the approaches currently being taken to find solutions are discussed. Consideration is given to such areas as control system analysis, design and implementation, and those aspects of structural modeling related to control system design.

Szirmay, S. Z.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Control of large flexible space structures using pole placement design techniques

A design approach via the pole placement techniques for the class of large flexible space structures is developed. The numerical problems in pole placement algorithm, arising from large dimension systems and the extremely low frequency eigenvalues which occur in large space structure models are examined. It shows these numerical difficulties may be overcome by properly selecting the sensor/actuator locations and introducing a frequency scaling scheme. The concepts of this paper are illustrated by some numerical studies on the linear feedback control design of a representative large spacecraft consisting of a small rigid core with ten radial booms (five booms 1000 ft long and five shorter booms 700 ft long) lying in a plane.

Wu, Y. W.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Large space system control technology overview

The nature of the problems which confront large space structure technology controls are discussed. Emphasis is placed on the following: the basic performance requirements; structural model errors; the effect of certain disturbances (i.e., solar pressure, gravity gradient torques, and aerodynamic drag); and surface or figure control.

Parker, G. L.↗
NASA NTRS1980

JPL analytical performance prediction capability

The development of a computer code to simulate and predict the performance of large deployable antenna structures is discussed. The computer code is expected to account for all phases of hardware use, i.e., ground handling, boost, deployment, on orbit station keeping, and transfer from LEO to GEO, if applicable. In addition to accounting for static and dynamic loading of the basic structure, the variation in the precision of the reflector surface and the alignment of the feed support structure as a function orbit are scrutinized in order to accommodate electromagnetic analysis. Specific tasks directed towards the development of the computer code are reported and a number of thermal and structural models are discussed.

Chen, R.↗
NASA NTRS1980

A preliminary attempt to interpret the power spectrum of the solar five minute oscillations in terms of the global oscillation model

The observed power spectrum of the solar five minute oscillations is discussed from the viewpoint that the oscillations are excited by turbulent convection. The observations place significant constraints on the theory and suggest constraints on the solar model structure. It is shown that the steep low frequency side of the peak in the power spectrum is more readily explained if the mixing length is greater than one scale height. The high frequency end of the power spectrum is also discussed.

Kesley, D. A.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Vibration analysis of the Long Duration Exposure Facility (LDEF) using SPAR

The structural modeling of the Long Duration Exposure Facility (LDEF) utilizing the SPAR system of computer programs for vibration analysis is discussed. The technical areas of interest were: (1) development of the LDEF finite element model; (2) derivation of tray effective panel stiffness matrix using finite element tray models; (3) assessment of attachment conditions and end fitting flexibility by comparing SPAR with test static displacements; (4) SPAR grouping; and (5) derivation of the LDEF frequencies and mode shapes and comparing them with tests. Special detailed finite element modeling was required to obtain good agreement between analytical and test vibration modes. An orthotropic panel in the overall model was developed. Orthotropic stiffness for this panel were obtained from finely detailed statically loaded SPAR models which included stiffness and allowed for partial relative sliding of the tray clamping attachments. Sensitivity to LDEF joint boundary conditions was determined, and static test data proved valuable in assessing modeling of local end fittings.

Edighoffer, H.↗
NASA NTRS1980

System identification of large space structures

The paper deals with the problem of system identifiability for a linear dynamical system. Two theorems are given relating the sufficient condition of system identifiability for certain linear structures to the total number of inputs and outputs. The principle of least squares, that seeks the minimization of a cost function is employed to carry out the system identification process. To illustrate the concept of the paper, a structural model of a beam with point masses is examined. Parameter identification methods are studied and a random search technique is introduced.

Juang, J. N.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Shallow moonquakes - Depth, distribution and implications as to the present state of the lunar interior

The observed seismic amplitudes of HFT (high-frequency teleseismic) events do not vary with distance as expected for surface sources, but are consistent with sources in the upper mantle of the moon. Thus, the upper mantle of the moon is the only zone where tectonic stresses deriving from differential thermal contraction and expansion of the lunar interior are presently high enough to cause moonquakes. The distribution of shallow moonquake epicenters suggests a possible correlation with impact basins, implying a lasting tectonic influence of impact basins long after their formation. The finite depths now assigned to these shallow moonquakes necessitate further revision to the seismic structural model of the lunar interior.

Nakamura, Y.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Integrated thermal-structural finite element analysis

An integrated thermal-structural finite element approach for efficient coupling of thermal and structural analysis is presented. An integrated thermal-structural rod element is developed and used in four thermal-structural applications; the accuracy of this integrated approach is illustrated by comparisons with the customary approach of finite difference thermal-finite element structural analyses. Results show that integrated thermal-structural analysis of structures modeled with rod elements is more accurate than conventional analysis, and that its further development promises significant results.

Thornton, E. A.↗
NASA NTRS1981

The high-excitation planetary nebulae: NGC 3918 and IC 2448

International Ultraviolet Exploration observations of NGC 3918 and IC 2448 are presented. Combining these observations with data in the optical range and computed model structure, the chemical composition for these objects is derived. For NGC 3918 log C = -3.02, log N = -3.61 and log 0 = -3.22; while for IC 2448 log C = -3.44, log N = -81 and log 0 = 3.54.

Torres-Peimbert, S.↗
NASA NTRS1980

XPS studies of structure-induced radiation effects at the Si/SiO2 interface

The interfacial structures of radiation hard and soft oxides grown by dry and wet processes on silicon substrates have been examined by high-resolution X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. It is found that the primary difference in the local atomic structure at the Si/SiO2 interface is the significantly higher concentration of strained 120 deg SiO2 bonds and SiO interfacial species in soft samples. Results of in situ radiation damage experiments using low energy electrons (0-20 eV) are reported which correlate with the presence of a strained layer of SiO2 (20 A) at the interface. The results are interpreted in terms of a structural model for hole and electron trap generation by ionizing radiation.

Grunthaner, F. J.↗