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At least 19 records

Challenges of developing an electro-optical system for measuring man's operational envelope

In designing work stations and restraint systems, and in planning tasks to be performed in space, a knowledge of the capabilities of the operator is essential. Answers to such questions as whether a specific control or work surface can be reached from a given restraint and how much force can be applied are of particular interest. A computer-aided design system has been developed for designing and evaluating work stations, etc., and the Anthropometric Measurement Laboratory (AML) has been charged with obtaining the data to be used in design and modeling. Traditional methods of measuring reach and force are very labor intensive and require bulky equipment. The AML has developed a series of electro-optical devices for collecting reach data easily, in computer readable form, with portable systems. The systems developed, their use, and data collected with them are described.

Woolford, B.

Progress in Protective Coatings for Aircraft Gas Turbines: A Review of NASA Sponsored Research

Problems associated with protective coatings for advanced aircraft gas turbines are reviewed. Metallic coatings for preventing titanium fires in compressors are identified. Coatings for turbine section are also considered, Ductile aluminide coatings for protecting internal turbine-blade cooling passage surface are also identified. Composite modified external overlay MCrAlY coatings deposited by low-pressure plasma spraying are found to be better in surface protection capability than vapor deposited MCrAlY coatings. Thermal barrier coating (TBC), studies are presented. The design of a turbine airfoil is integrated with a TBC, and computer-aided manufacturing technology is applied.

Merutka, J. P.

Design analysis and computer-aided performance evaluation of shuttle orbiter electrical power system. Volume 1: Summary

Studies were conducted to develop appropriate space shuttle electrical power distribution and control (EPDC) subsystem simulation models and to apply the computer simulations to systems analysis of the EPDC. A previously developed software program (SYSTID) was adapted for this purpose. The following objectives were attained: (1) significant enhancement of the SYSTID time domain simulation software, (2) generation of functionally useful shuttle EPDC element models, and (3) illustrative simulation results in the analysis of EPDC performance, under the conditions of fault, current pulse injection due to lightning, and circuit protection sizing and reaction times.

Source record

Full scale lightning test technique

A test technique was developed for applying a full scale mean value (30 kiloampere peak) simulated lightning return stroke current on a complete flight ready aircraft to assess the threat of lightning to aircraft electrical circuits. A computer-aided generator design was used to establish the parameters of the test system. Data from previous work done on development of low inductance current paths determined the basic system configuration.

Walko, L. C.

Understanding Reliability Trade-Offs in 1T-nC and 2T-nC FeRAM Designs

Ferroelectric random access memory (FeRAM) is a promising candidate for energy-efficient nonvolatile memory, particularly for logic-in-memory and compute-in-memory (CIM) applications. Among the available cell architectures, One-Transistor–n-Capacitor (1T-nC) and two-transistor–n-capacitor (2T-nC) FeRAMs each offer distinct trade-offs in density, scalability, and reliability. In this work, we present a comparative study of these two architectures under both dimensional scaling ( XY/Z shrinkage) and vertical integration (increasing stacked capacitors per cell). Using technology computer-aided design (TCAD) and circuit-level simulations, we analyze how scaling impacts ferroelectric capacitance, parasitic coupling, and floating-node (FN) dynamics, which together dictate sense margin (SM) and read stability. A key mitigation strategy—floating unselected capacitors—is applied to both architectures, effectively decoupling the SM from the number of stacked capacitors and enabling tractable analysis across scaling regimes. Results show that 1T-nC suffers more from charge sharing with the bitline (BL), while 2T-nC benefits from transistor isolation and stronger low-voltage sensing at the cost of increased area. By systematically evaluating these behaviors across scaling directions, this work establishes the reliability trade-offs of 1T-nC and 2T-nC cells and provides design guidelines for high-density, vertically integrated FeRAM systems.

1T-nC

Technical assistance for law-enforcement communications: Case study report two

Two case histories are presented. In one study the feasibility of consolidating dispatch center operations for small agencies is considered. System load measurements were taken and queueing analysis applied to determine numbers of personnel required for each separate agency and for a consolidated dispatch center. Functional requirements were developed and a cost model was designed to compare relative costs of various alternatives including continuation of the present system, consolidation of a manual system, and consolidated computer-aided dispatching. The second case history deals with the consideration of a multi-regional, intrastate radio frequency for improved interregional communications. Sample standards and specifications for radio equipment are provided.

Reilly, N. B.

Computer-aided analysis and design of the shape rolling process for producing turbine engine airfoils

Mild steel (AISI 1018) was selected as model cold-rolling material and Ti-6Al-4V and INCONEL 718 were selected as typical hot-rolling and cold-rolling alloys, respectively. The flow stress and workability of these alloys were characterized and friction factor at the roll/workpiece interface was determined at their respective working conditions by conducting ring tests. Computer-aided mathematical models for predicting metal flow and stresses, and for simulating the shape-rolling process were developed. These models utilize the upper-bound and the slab methods of analysis, and are capable of predicting the lateral spread, roll-separating force, roll torque and local stresses, strains and strain rates. This computer-aided design (CAD) system is also capable of simulating the actual rolling process and thereby designing roll-pass schedule in rolling of an airfoil or similar shape. The predictions from the CAD system were verified with respect to cold rolling of mild steel plates. The system is being applied to cold and hot isothermal rolling of an airfoil shape, and will be verified with respect to laboratory experiments under controlled conditions.

Lahoti, G. D.

Nonlinear programming in design of control systems with specified handling qualities.

A method is described for using nonlinear programing in the computer-aided design of aircraft control systems. It is assumed that the quality of such systems depends on many criteria. These criteria are included in the constraints vector, and the design proceeds through a sequence of nonlinear programing solutions in which the designer varies the specification of sets of requirements levels. The method is applied to design of a lateral stability augmentation system (SAS) for a fighter aircraft, in which the requirements vector is chosen from the official handling-qualities specifications. Results are shown for several simple SAS configurations designed to obtain desirable handling qualities over all design flight conditions with minimum feedback gains.

Schy, A. A.

Curved Finite Elements and Curve Approximation

The approximation of parameterized curves by segments of parabolas that pass through the endpoints of each curve segment arises naturally in all quadratic isoparametric transformations. While not as popular as cubics in curve design problems, the use of parabolas allows the introduction of a geometric measure of the discrepancy between given and approximating curves. The free parameters of the parabola may be used to optimize the fit, and constraints that prevent overspill and curve degeneracy are introduced. This leads to a constrained optimization problem in two varibles that can be solved quickly and reliably by a simple method that takes advantage of the special structure of the problem. For applications in the field of computer-aided design, the given curves are often cubic polynomials, and the coefficient may be calculated in closed form in terms of polynomial coefficients by using a symbolic machine language so that families of curves can be approximated with no further integration. For general curves, numerical quadrature may be used, as in the implementation where the Romberg quadrature is applied. The coefficient functions C sub 1 (gamma) and C sub 2 (gamma) are expanded as polynomials in gamma, so that for given A(s) and B(s) the integrations need only be done once. The method was used to find optimal constrained parabolic approximation to a wide variety of given curves.

Baart, M. L.

Computer-aided design of control systems to meet many requirements

A method is described for using nonlinear programing in the computer-aided design of airplane control systems. It is assumed that the quality of such systems depends on many criteria. These criteria are included in the constraints vector (instead of attempting to combine them into a single scalar criterion, as is usually done), and the design proceeds through a sequence of nonlinear programing solutions in which the designer varies the specification of sets of requirements levels. The method is applied to design of a lateral stability augmentation system (SAS) for a fighter airplane, in which the requirements vector is chosen from the official handling qualities specifications. Results are shown for several simple SAS configurations designed to obtain desirable handling qualities over all design flight conditions with minimum feedback gains. The choice of the final design for each case is not unique but depends on the designer's decision as to which achievable set of requirements levels represents the best for that system. Results indicate that it may be possible to design constant parameter SAS which can satisfy the most stringent handling qualities requirements for fighter airplanes in all flight conditions. The role of the designer as a decision maker, interacting with the computer program, is discussed. Advantages of this type of designer-computer interaction are emphasized. Desirable extensions of the method are indicated.

Schy, A. A.

A Simple, Scalable Large Deformation Solid Mechanics Implementation in the MOOSE Framework

This article describes a large deformation solid mechanics solver implemented as part of the freely available and open source MOOSE finite element simulation framework. The article documents the choices made in developing the solid mechanics framework and describes novel formulations for the gradient operator and constitutive modeling framework made to simplify implementations of different coordinate systems, stabilized gradient operators, and different constitutive model inputs and outputs. In the process, the article describes a new formulation that casts objective integration of the Cauchy stress as a linear transformation of the small stress rate. Finally, the article presents key implementation details and examines the parallel efficiency of the solid mechanics solver implemented in MOOSE. The implementation retains a good weak scaling efficiency beyond 1,000 parallel processes. The article includes a discussion of the factors limiting the parallel efficiency of implicit, large deformation solid mechanics codes on current high-performance computers, with the main current limitation being the scalability of the algebraic multigrid methods used to solve the linearized equilibrium equations.

Applied computing → Computer-aided design

Trends in computerized structural analysis and synthesis; Proceedings of the Symposium, Washington, D.C., October 30-November 1, 1978

The subjects considered are related to future directions of structural applications and potential of new computing systems, advances and trends in data management and engineering software development, advances in applied mathematics and symbolic computing, computer-aided instruction and interactive computer graphics, nonlinear analysis, dynamic analysis and transient response, structural synthesis, structural analysis and design systems, advanced structural applications, supercomputers, numerical analysis, and trends in software systems. Attention is given to the reliability and optimality of the finite element method, computerized symbolic manipulation in structural mechanics, a standard computer graphics subroutine package, and a drag method as a finite element mesh generation scheme.

Noor, A. K.

Computer-aided fracture mechanics life prediction analysis

The fracture mechanics analysis and computer logic used to perform design life predictions is described. Initial part-through crack defects are analyzed under the conditions of constant-amplitude loading to predict the number of loading cycles applied before breakthrough or failure. A criterion is provided to predict the transition from part-through crack growth characteristics to through crack growth characteristics. A breakthrough criterion is also provided.

Peterson, D. E.

Aerodynamic heating and surface temperatures on vehicles for computer-aided design studies

A computer subprogram has been developed to calculate aerodynamic and radiative heating rates and to determine surface temperatures by integrating the heating rates along the trajectory of a vehicle. Convective heating rates are calculated by applying the axisymmetric analogue to inviscid surface streamlines and using relatively simple techniques to calculate laminar, transitional, or turbulent heating rates. Options are provided for the selection of gas model, transition criterion, turbulent heating method, Reynolds Analogy factor, and entropy-layer swallowing effects. Heating rates are compared to experimental data, and the time history of surface temperatures are given for a high-speed trajectory. The computer subprogram is developed for preliminary design and mission analysis where parametric studies are needed at all speeds.

Dejarnette, F. R.

Present capabilities and future requirements for computer-aided geometric modeling in the design and manufacture of gas turbine

Gas turbine engine design requires the ability to rapidly develop complex structures which are subject to severe thermal and mechanical operating loads. As in all facets of the aerospace industry, engine designs are constantly driving towards increased performance, higher temperatures, higher speeds, and lower weight. The ability to address such requirements in a relatively short time frame has resulted in a major thrust towards integrated design/analysis/manufacturing systems. These computer driven graphics systems represent a unique challenge, with major payback opportunities if properly conceived, implemented, and applied.

Caille, E.

The J3 SCR model applied to resonant converter simulation

The J3 SCR model is a continuous topology computer model for the SCR. Its circuit analog and parameter estimation procedure are uniformly applicable to popular computer-aided design and analysis programs such as SPICE2 and SCEPTRE. The circuit analog is based on the intrinsic three pn junction structure of the SCR. The parameter estimation procedure requires only manufacturer's specification sheet quantities as a data base.

Avant, R. L.