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At least 1,783 records · Page 99

ROCOPT: A user friendly interactive code to optimize rocket structural components

ROCOPT is a user-friendly, graphically-interfaced, microcomputer-based computer program (IBM compatible) that optimizes rocket components by minimizing the structural weight. The rocket components considered are ring stiffened truncated cones and cylinders. The applied loading is static, and can consist of any combination of internal or external pressure, axial force, bending moment, and torque. Stress margins are calculated by means of simple closed form strength of material type equations. Stability margins are determined by approximate, orthotropic-shell, closed-form equations. A modified form of Powell's method, in conjunction with a modified form of the external penalty method, is used to determine the minimum weight of the structure subject to stress and stability margin constraints, as well as user input constraints on the structural dimensions. The graphical interface guides the user through the required data prompts, explains program options and graphically displays results for easy interpretation.

Rule, William K.↗

Component count and preliminary assembly considerations for large space truss structures

Expressions for the number of truss components per truss division are presented along with expressions for the area and dimensions of mosaic hexagonal panel arrangements. The expressions were developed by substituting the number of truss components in specific truss divisions into associated polynomial equations and solving for the coefficients of the polynomials. To assist in automated or astronaut truss/panel assembly operations, a concept for assembling a tetrahedral truss with hexagonal panels is presented. The assembly concept minimizes the exchange of truss assembly devices and panel attachment devices, assuming that the number of exchanges is a driving assembly concern.

Kenner, W. Scott↗

Definition of large components assembled on-orbit and robot compatible mechanical joints

One of four major areas of project Pathfinder is in-space assembly and construction. The task of in-space assembly and construction is to develop the requirements and the technology needed to build elements in space. A 120-ft diameter tetrahedral aerobrake truss is identified as the focus element. A heavily loaded mechanical joint is designed to robotically assemble the defined aerobrake element. Also, typical large components such as habitation modules, storage tanks, etc., are defined, and attachment concepts of these components to the tetrahedral truss are developed.

Williamsen, J.↗

Finite element analysis of structural components using viscoplastic models with application to a cowl lip problem

The viability of advanced viscoplastic models for nonlinear finite element analyses of structural components is investigated. Several uniaxial and a multiaxial problem are analyzed using the finite element implementation of Freed's viscoplastic model. Good agreement between the experimental and calculated uniaxial results validates the finite element implementation and gives confidence to apply it to more complex multiaxial problems. A comparison of results for a sample structural component (the cowl lip of a hypersonic engine inlet) with the earlier elastic, elastic-plastic, and elastic-plastic-creep analyses available in the literature shows that the elastic-viscoplastic analyses yield more reasonable stress and strain distributions. Finally, the versatility of the finite-element-based solution technology presented herein is demonstrated by applying it to another viscoplastic model.

Arya, V. K.↗

Designing ceramic components with the CARES computer program

NASA-Lewis has developed a public-domain computer program, designated 'Ceramic Analysis and Reliability Evaluation of Structures' (CARES) for calculating the fast-fracture reliability of macroscopically isotropic ceramic components subjected to the complex thermomechanical loadings typical of heat engines. The design methodology employed by CARES encompasses linear elastic fracture mechanics theory, extreme value statistics, and material microstructures; component integrity is conceived as a function of the entire field solution of the stresses, rather than being based solely on the most highly stressed point.

Nemeth, Noel N.↗

Cobalt and nickel concentrations in the 'komatiite component' of Apollo 16 polymict samples

Some estimates for the concentrations of Co and Ni in the primitive mafic component of Apollo 16 breccias and soils are large, comparable to concentrations in terrestrial komatiites. These estimates may be erroneously high because the contribution from meteoritic contamination of the samples has been underestimated. However, even if the correction for meteoritic Co and Ni is valid and the calculated residual Ni is not of meteoritic origin, the Ni is presently carried by Fe-Ni metal while the Fe and Mg are carried by mafic silicates. If any large-scale separation of metal and silicate phases has occurred, the concentration ratio of Ni to Fe + Mg in the mafic silicates of the ancient crust in the vicinity of the Apollo 16 site has not been preserved by Apollo 16 rocks. Apollo 16 polymict breccias and soils contain much higher concentrations of siderophile elements and Fe-Ni metal than other nonmare samples from the Moon. Thus, it is likely that the Ni/(Mg + Fe) ratio estimated for the komatiite component from Apollo 16 samples is high compared to the actual ratio for the lunar crust.

Korotev, Randy L.↗

A model for lava flows with two thermal components

This paper presents a mathematical model for the cooling of an active flow with two separate thermal components, one of which is a crust that cools by radiation and thickens with time and the other an inner core that is vertically isothermal and partially exposed at the top surface, where heat is lost by radiation. This model provides a more realistic description of active lava flows than the existing models that assume thermal homogeneity in each vertical cross section perpendicular to the direction of flow advance. The results of the model were found to compare favorably with existing field data. The effects of different crustal thickening rates, fractional areas of crust, and eruption temperatures on the cooling of the two thermal components were examined.

Crisp, Joy↗

Noncoplanar component of the magnetic field at low Mach number shocks

The component of the magnetic field that deviates from the plane defined by the shock normal and the upstream magnetic field is examined for low Mach number bow shocks. The integrated value of this noncoplanar component is compared to the predictions of Jones and Ellison (1987). A test of this relationship was first reported by Gosling et al. (1988) who found good agreement only at the two low Mach number shocks that were included in their study. Analysis of a more extensive collection of low Mach number shocks confirms the Jones and Ellison relationship at very low Mach numbers as well as its deterioration for higher Mach numbers. However, there also is an indication that the relationship may break down for shocks that are nearly perpendicular.

Friedman, M. A.↗

Design of a three-component wall-mounted balance

The design and evaluation of a three-component, wall-mounted pyramidal balance for a small wind tunnel is discussed. The balance was designed to measure lift, drag, pitching moment, and angle of attack. The specific design of each component and mathematical models used to design the balance are covered. Balance evaluation consisted of calibration, tare, and interaction analysis.

Winkelmann, Allen E.↗

Algorithm Reveals Sinusoidal Component Of Noisy Signal

Algorithm performs simple statistical analysis of noisy signal to yield preliminary indication of whether or not signal contains sinusoidal component. Suitable for preprocessing or preliminary analysis of vibrations, fluctuations in pressure, and other signals that include large random components. Implemented on personal computer by easy-to-use program.

Kwok, Lloyd C.↗

Flight motor set 36OH005 (STS-28R). Volume 5: (Nozzle component)

A review of the performance and post flight condition of the STS-28 redesigned solid rocket motor (RSRM) nozzles is presented in this document. Applicable discrepancy reports (DR's) and process departures (PD's) are presented in section 5.0. The nozzle component program team (NCPT) performance evaluation and the redesign program review board (RPRB) assessment is included in section 6.0. The STS-28 nozzle assemblies were flown on the RSRM fifth flight (Space Shuttle Columbia). The nozzles were a partially submerged convergent/divergent movable design with an aft pivot point flexible bearing. The nozzle assemblies incorporated the following features: (1) RSRM forward exit cone with snubber assembly; (2) RSRM fixed housing; (3) structural backup outer boot ring (OBR); (4) RSRM cowl ring; (5) RSRM nose inlet assembly; (6) RSRM throat assembly; (7) RSRM forward nose and aft inlet ring; (8) RSRM aft exit cone assembly with linear-shaped charge (LSC); (9) RTV backfill in joints 1, 3, and 4; (10) use of EA913 NA adhesive in place of EA913; (11) redesigned nozzle plug; and (12) carbon cloth phenolic (CCP) with 750 ppm sodium content. The RSRM fifth flight test objectives are as follows: (1) verify that flexible bearing seals operate within the specified temperature range; (2) verify that flexible bearing maintained a positive gas seal between its internal components; (3) inspect flexible bearing for damage due to water impact; (4) verify performance of the nozzle liner; (5) verify that nozzle parts are reusable; (6) verify through flight demonstration and a postflight inspection that the flexible bearing is reusable; (7) verify by inspection the remaining nozzle ablative thicknesses; and (8) verify the nozzle performance margins of safety.

Smith, Dan M., Jr.↗

Evidence against a simple two-component model for the far-infrared emission from galaxies

Two of the first Infrared Astronomy Satellite (IRAS) results were that galaxies have a wide range of values for the ratio of 60 micron to 100 micron flux density (0.2 less than or equal to S sub 60/S sub 100 less than or equal to 1.0) and that this ratio is correlated with L sub fir, L sub b, L sub fir being the total far-infrared luminosity and L sub b being the luminosity at visible wavelengths (de Jong et al. 1984; Soifer et al. 1984). From these results arose the following simple model for the far-infrared emission from galaxies (de Jong et al. 1984), which has remained the standard model ever since. In this model, the far-infrared emission comes from two dust components: warm dust (T approx. equals 50 K) intermingled with, and heated by, young massive OB stars in molecular clouds and HII regions, and colder dust (T approx. equals 20 K) associated with the diffuse atomic hydrogen in the interstellar medium and heated by the general interstellar radiation field. As the number of young stars in a galaxy increases, S sub 60/S sub 100 increases, because there is a greater proportion of warm dust, and so does L sub fir/L sub b, because most of the radiation from the young stars is absorbed by the dust, leading to a swifter increase in far-infrared emission than in visible light. Although this model explains the basic IRAS results, it is inelegant. It uses two free parameters to fit two data (the 60 and 100 micron flux densities)-and there are now several observations that contradict it. Despite these major problems with the two-component model, it is not clear what should be put in its place. When considering possible models for the far-infrared emission from galaxies, the observational evidence for our own galaxy must be considered. Researchers suspect that the study by Boulanger and Perault (1988) of the far-infrared properties of the local interstellar medium may be particularly relevant. They showed that molecular clouds are leaky - that most of the light from OB stars in molecular clouds does not heat the dust in the clouds, but instead leaks out. The consequence of this is that that while most of the far-infrared emission from the solar neighborhood is from dust associated with diffuse HI, this dust is mostly heated by young stars.

Eales, Stephen A.↗

Three-component laser anemometer measurement systems

A brief overview of the different laser anemometer (LA) optical designs available is presented. Then, the LA techniques that can be used to design a three-component measurement system for annular geometries are described. Some of the facility design considerations unique to these LA systems are also addressed. Following this, the facilities and the LA systems that were used to successfully measure the three components of velocity in the blading of annular-flow machines are reviewed. Finally, possible LA system enhancements and future research directions are presented.

Goldman, Louis J.↗

Structural reliability analysis of laminated CMC components

For laminated ceramic matrix composite (CMC) materials to realize their full potential in aerospace applications, design methods and protocols are a necessity. The time independent failure response of these materials is focussed on and a reliability analysis is presented associated with the initiation of matrix cracking. A public domain computer algorithm is highlighted that was coupled with the laminate analysis of a finite element code and which serves as a design aid to analyze structural components made from laminated CMC materials. Issues relevant to the effect of the size of the component are discussed, and a parameter estimation procedure is presented. The estimation procedure allows three parameters to be calculated from a failure population that has an underlying Weibull distribution.

Duffy, Stephen F.↗

Incorporating finite element analysis into component life and reliability

A method for calculating a component's design survivability by incorporating finite element analysis and probabilistic material properties was developed. The method evaluates design parameters through direct comparisons of component survivability expressed in terms of Weibull parameters. The analysis was applied to a rotating disk with mounting bolt holes. The highest probability of failure occurred at, or near, the maximum shear stress region of the bolt holes. Distribution of failure as a function of Weibull slope affects the probability of survival. Where Weibull parameters are unknown for a rotating disk, it may be permissible to assume Weibull parameters, as well as the stress-life exponent, in order to determine the disk speed where the probability of survival is highest.

August, Richard↗

Probabilistic structural analysis methods for select space propulsion system components

The Probabilistic Structural Analysis Methods (PSAM) project developed at the Southwest Research Institute integrates state-of-the-art structural analysis techniques with probability theory for the design and analysis of complex large-scale engineering structures. An advanced efficient software system (NESSUS) capable of performing complex probabilistic analysis has been developed. NESSUS contains a number of software components to perform probabilistic analysis of structures. These components include: an expert system, a probabilistic finite element code, a probabilistic boundary element code and a fast probability integrator. The NESSUS software system is shown. An expert system is included to capture and utilize PSAM knowledge and experience. NESSUS/EXPERT is an interactive menu-driven expert system that provides information to assist in the use of the probabilistic finite element code NESSUS/FEM and the fast probability integrator (FPI). The expert system menu structure is summarized. The NESSUS system contains a state-of-the-art nonlinear probabilistic finite element code, NESSUS/FEM, to determine the structural response and sensitivities. A broad range of analysis capabilities and an extensive element library is present.

Millwater, H. R.↗

Improved evaluation of optical depth components from Langley plot data

A simple, iterative procedure to determine the optical depth components of the extinction optical depth measured by a solar radiometer is presented. Simulated data show that the iterative procedure improves the determination of the exponent of a Junge law particle size distribution. The determination of the optical depth due to aerosol scattering is improved as compared to a method which uses only two points from the extinction data. The iterative method was used to determine spectral optical depth components for June 11-13, 1988 during the MAC III experiment.

Biggar, S. F.↗

Cross-over component code construction for multi-level block modulation codes

This paper investigates the multilevel technique for combining block coding and modulation. Several specific methods for constructing multilevel block modulation codes with interdependency among component codes are presented. Given a multilevel block modulation code C with no interdependency among the binary component codes, the proposed methods give a multilevel block modulation code C-prime which has the same rate as C, a minimum squared Euclidean distance not less than that of C, a trellis diagram with the same number of states as that of C, and a smaller number of nearest neighbor codewords than that of C.

Kasami, Tadao↗