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At least 19 records

Global/local interlaminar stress analysis of a grid-stiffened composite panel

A global/local procedure for the computation of the interlaminar stress components at the skin wrap, skin core, and wrap core interfaces for an advanced concept stiffened panel, is described. The procedure consists of a global model of two dimensional shell elements that is used to design a grid stiffened panel with blade type stiffeners, a local model of three dimensional solid elements that is used to compute interlaminar stress components, and a scheme devised to assign displacement boundary conditions for a local model that are based on displacement and rotation data of a few nodes of the global model. A global panel was designed according to strength, stiffness, and stability criteria associated with the design of traditional aircraft wing panels. Interlaminar normal and shearing stress components, computed via the local model, were found to be well below typical tensile normal and shearing strengths of a graphite epoxy material.

Wiggenraad, J. F. M.

Computational Investigations of Noise Suppression in Subsonic Round Jets

NASA Grant NAG1-1802, originally submitted in June 1996 as a two-year proposal, was awarded one-year's funding by NASA LaRC for the period 5 Oct., 1996, through 4 Oct., 1997. Because of the inavailability (from IT at NASA ARC) of sufficient supercomputer time in fiscal 1998 to complete the computational goals of the second year of the original proposal (estimated to be at least 400 Cray C-90 CPU hours), those goals have been appropriately amended, and a new proposal has been submitted to LaRC as a follow-on to NAG1-1802. The current report documents the activities and accomplishments on NAG1-1802 during the one-year period from 5 Oct., 1996, through 4 Oct., 1997. NASA Grant NAG1-1802, and its predecessor, NAG1-1772, have been directed toward adapting the numerical tool of Large-Eddy Simulation (LES) to aeroacoustic applications, with particular focus on noise suppression in subsonic round jets. In LES, the filtered Navier-Stokes equations are solved numerically on a relatively coarse computational grid. Residual stresses, generated by scales of motion too small to be resolved on the coarse grid, are modeled. Although most LES incorporate spatial filtering, time-domain filtering affords certain conceptual and computational advantages, particularly for aeroacoustic applications. Consequently, this work has focused on the development of SubGrid-Scale (SGS) models that incorporate time- domain filters. The author is unaware of any previous attempt at purely time-filtered LES; however, Aldama and Dakhoul and Bedford have considered approaches that combine both spatial and temporal filtering. In our view, filtering in both space and time is redundant, because removal of high frequencies effects the removal of small spatial scales and vice versa.

Pruett, C. David

Large-Eddy Simulation of Aeroacoustic Applications

This report summarizes work accomplished under a one-year NASA grant from NASA Langley Research Center (LaRC). The effort culminates three years of NASA-supported research under three consecutive one-year grants. The period of support was April 6, 1998, through April 5, 1999. By request, the grant period was extended at no-cost until October 6, 1999. Its predecessors have been directed toward adapting the numerical tool of large-eddy simulation (LES) to aeroacoustic applications, with particular focus on noise suppression in subsonic round jets. In LES, the filtered Navier-Stokes equations are solved numerically on a relatively coarse computational grid. Residual stresses, generated by scales of motion too small to be resolved on the coarse grid, are modeled. Although most LES incorporate spatial filtering, time-domain filtering affords certain conceptual and computational advantages, particularly for aeroacoustic applications. Consequently, this work has focused on the development of subgrid-scale (SGS) models that incorporate time-domain filters.

Pruett, C. David

Developing parallel GeoFEST(P) using the PYRAMID AMR library

The PYRAMID parallel unstructured adaptive mesh refinement (AMR) library has been coupled with the GeoFEST geophysical finite element simulation tool to support parallel active tectonics simulations. Specifically, we have demonstrated modeling of coseismic and postseismic surface displacement due to a simulated Earthquake for the Landers system of interacting faults in Southern California. The new software demonstrated a 25-times resolution improvement and a 4-times reduction in time to solution over the sequential baseline milestone case. Simulations on workstations using a few tens of thousands of stress displacement finite elements can now be expanded to multiple millions of elements with greater than 98% scaled efficiency on various parallel platforms over many hundreds of processors. Our most recent work has demonstrated that we can dynamically adapt the computational grid as stress grows on a fault. In this paper, we will describe the major issues and challenges associated with coupling these two programs to create GeoFEST(P). Performance and visualization results will also be described.

adaptive mesh refinement (AMR)

Method of making dished ion thruster grids

A pair of flat grid blanks are clamped together at their edges with an impervious metal sheet on top. All of the blanks and sheets are dished simultaneously by forcing fluid to inflate an elastic sheet which contacts the bottom grid blank. A second impervious metal sheet is inserted between the two grid blanks if the grids have high percentage open areas. The dished grids are stress relieved simultaneously.

Banks, B. A.

Correlation of predicted and measured thermal stresses on an advanced aircraft structure with similar materials

A laboratory heating test simulating hypersonic heating was conducted on a heat-sink type structure to provide basic thermal stress measurements. Six NASTRAN models utilizing various combinations of bar, shear panel, membrane, and plate elements were used to develop calculated thermal stresses. Thermal stresses were also calculated using a beam model. For a given temperature distribution there was very little variation in NASTRAN calculated thermal stresses when element types were interchanged for a given grid system. Thermal stresses calculated for the beam model compared similarly to the values obtained for the NASTRAN models. Calculated thermal stresses compared generally well to laboratory measured thermal stresses. A discrepancy of signifiance occurred between the measured and predicted thermal stresses in the skin areas. A minor anomaly in the laboratory skin heating uniformity resulted in inadequate temperature input data for the structural models.

Jenkins, J. M.

DNS/LES Simulations of Separated Flows at High Reynolds Numbers

Direct numerical simulations (DNS) and large-eddy simulations (LES) simulations of flow through a periodic channel with a constriction are performed using the dynamic Smagorinsky model at two Reynolds numbers of 2800 and 10595. The LES equations are solved using higher order compact schemes. DNS are performed for the lower Reynolds number case using a fine grid and the data are used to validate the LES results obtained with a coarse and a medium size grid. LES simulations are also performed for the higher Reynolds number case using a coarse and a medium size grid. The results are compared with an existing reference data set. The DNS and LES results agreed well with the reference data. Reynolds stresses, sub-grid eddy viscosity, and the budgets for the turbulent kinetic energy are also presented. It is found that the turbulent fluctuations in the normal and spanwise directions have the same magnitude. The turbulent kinetic energy budget shows that the production peaks near the separation point region and the production to dissipation ratio is very high on the order of five in this region. It is also observed that the production is balanced by the advection, diffusion, and dissipation in the shear layer region. The dominant term is the turbulent diffusion that is about two times the molecular dissipation.

Balakumar, P.

Interlaminar stress analysis at the skin-stiffener interface of a grid-stiffened composite panel

Results are presented of an analysis of the interlaminar stress components at the skin-wrap, skin-core, and wrap-core interfaces for an advanced-concept stiffened panel using a global/local finite element procedure. The procedure consists of a global model of two-dimensional shell elements that is used to design a grid-stiffened panel with blade-type stiffeners, a local model of three-dimensional solid elements that is used to compute interlaminar stress components, and a scheme devised to assign displacement boundary conditions for the local model that are derived from displacement and rotation data of a few nodes of the global model. The interlaminar stresses for this panel design were found to be well below typical tensile normal and shearing strengths of a graphite-epoxy material.

Wiggenraad, J. F. M.

Arithmetic Data Cube as a Data Intensive Benchmark

Data movement across computational grids and across memory hierarchy of individual grid machines is known to be a limiting factor for application involving large data sets. In this paper we introduce the Data Cube Operator on an Arithmetic Data Set which we call Arithmetic Data Cube (ADC). We propose to use the ADC to benchmark grid capabilities to handle large distributed data sets. The ADC stresses all levels of grid memory by producing 2d views of an Arithmetic Data Set of d-tuples described by a small number of parameters. We control data intensity of the ADC by controlling the sizes of the views through choice of the tuple parameters.

Frumkin, Michael A.

Structural Analysis of Pyrolytic Graphite Optics for the HiPEP Ion Thruster

The long lifetime requirements of interplanetary exploration missions is driving the need to develop long-life components for the electric propulsion thrusters that are being targeted for these missions. One of the primary life-limiting components of ion thrusters are the optics, which are continuously eroded during the operation of the thruster. Pyrolytic graphite optics are being considered for the High Power Electric Propulsion (HiPEP) ion thruster because of their very high resistance to erosion. This paper describes the structural analysis of the HiPEP pyrolytic graphite. A description of the development of the grid model, as well as the development of the effective properties and stress concentrations in the apertured area of the grids is included. An evaluation of the use of curved grids shows that the increased stiffness (compared to flat grids) prevents intergrid impact during launch, however, the residual stresses introduced by curving the grids pushes the resulting peak stresses beyond the critical stress. As a result, flat grids are recommended as the design solution. Thermally induced grid displacements during normal thruster operation are also presented.

Meckel, Nicole

Development of an Electrostatically Clean Solar Array Panel

The results of design, analysis, and qualification of an Electrostatically Clean Solar Array (ECSA) panel are described. The objective of the ECSA design is to provide an electrostatic environment that does not interfere with sensitive instruments on scientific spacecraft. The ECSA design uses large, ITO-coated coverglasses that cover multiple solar cells, an aperture grid that covers the intercell areas, stress-relieved interconnects for connecting the aperture grid to the coverglasses, and edge clips to provides an electromagnetically shielded enclosure for the solar array active circuitry. Qualification coupons were fabricated and tested for photovoltaic response, conductivity, and survivability to launch acoustic and thermal cycling environments simulating LEO and GEO missions. The benefits of reducing solar panel interaction with the space environment are also discussed.

Stern, Theodore G.

Benchmarking Memory Performance with the Data Cube Operator

Data movement across a computer memory hierarchy and across computational grids is known to be a limiting factor for applications processing large data sets. We use the Data Cube Operator on an Arithmetic Data Set, called ADC, to benchmark capabilities of computers and of computational grids to handle large distributed data sets. We present a prototype implementation of a parallel algorithm for computation of the operatol: The algorithm follows a known approach for computing views from the smallest parent. The ADC stresses all levels of grid memory and storage by producing some of 2d views of an Arithmetic Data Set of d-tuples described by a small number of integers. We control data intensity of the ADC by selecting the tuple parameters, the sizes of the views, and the number of realized views. Benchmarking results of memory performance of a number of computer architectures and of a small computational grid are presented.

Frumkin, Michael A.

Analytical and experimental study of a standing torus with normal loads

Finite element analysis is applied to study the large deflection and stress of a thin-walled pressurized torus loaded by normal contact with a plane. Experimentally determined stresses are compared to those resulting from finite element analysis at various meridional and circumferential coordinates of the torus, including the footprint area. Circumferential strains compare favorably while meridional strains are higher in the finite element analysis, probably due to slippage of the boundary at the rim. The STAGS finite element computer program was used. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the various program options for structural loading, for material modeling, for stress analysis, and for grid refinement. The experimental model, a thin-walled rubber tube mounted on a steel cylindrical rim, provided measured results to compare with various analytical trade-offs. It was found that there was almost no difference in predicted deflections or stress distributions between linear and nonlinear material description. However, the difference between linear analysis and that of geometric nonlinearities utilizing incremental loading was marked.

Mack, M. J., Jr.

Continuum models for static and dynamic analysis of repetitive lattices

A simple, rational approach is presented for developing continuum models for large repetitive lattice structures subjected to static and dynamic loadings. The procedure involves introducing kinematic assumptions to reduce the dimensionality of the lattice, and equating the strain and kinetic energies of the continuum model to those of the original lattice structure. The proposed procedure is applied to obtain effective elastic and dynamic characteristics of continuum plate models for double-layered grids. Numerical results are presented of stress and free vibration problems for two double-layered grids. These problems demonstrate the high accuracy of the continuum plate models developed. Also, an assessment is made of different approximations to these models.

Noor, A. K.

Evaluation of an improved finite-element thermal stress calculation technique

A procedure for generating accurate thermal stresses with coarse finite element grids (Ojalvo's method) is described. The procedure is based on the observation that for linear thermoelastic problems, the thermal stresses may be envisioned as being composed of two contributions; the first due to the strains in the structure which depend on the integral of the temperature distribution over the finite element and the second due to the local variation of the temperature in the element. The first contribution can be accurately predicted with a coarse finite-element mesh. The resulting strain distribution can then be combined via the constitutive relations with detailed temperatures from a separate thermal analysis. The result is accurate thermal stresses from coarse finite element structural models even where the temperature distributions have sharp variations. The range of applicability of the method for various classes of thermostructural problems such as in-plane or bending type problems and the effect of the nature of the temperature distribution and edge constraints are addressed. Ojalvo's method is used in conjunction with the SPAR finite element program. Results are obtained for rods, membranes, a box beam and a stiffened panel.

Camarda, C. J.

Global/local finite element analysis of composite materials

The motivation for performing global/local finite element analysis in composite materials is described. An example of such an analysis of a composite plate with a central circular hole is presented. Deformed finite element grids and interlaminar normal stress distributions are presented to aid understanding of the plate response. Such distribution at the plate edge is shown to be basically unaffected, although transverse displacements of the edge were slightly different from an analysis of a similar plate with no hole.

Griffin, O. Hayden, Jr.

Automation Tools for Finite Element Analysis of Adhesively Bonded Joints

This article presents two new automation creation tools that obtain stresses and strains (Shear and peel) in adhesively bonded joints. For a given adhesively bonded joint Finite Element model, in which the adhesive is characterised using springs, these automation tools read the corresponding input and output files, use the spring forces and deformations to obtain the adhesive stresses and strains, sort the stresses and strains in descending order, and generate plot files for 3D visualisation of the stress and strain fields. Grids (nodes) and elements can be numbered in any order that is convenient for the user. Using the automation tools, trade-off studies, which are needed for design of adhesively bonded joints, can be performed very quickly.

Tahmasebi, Farhad

Calculating Soil Wetness, Evapotranspiration and Carbon Cycle Processes Over Large Grid Areas Using a New Scaling Technique

Soil wetness typically shows great spatial variability over the length scales of general circulation model (GCM) grid areas (approx 100 km ), and the functions relating evapotranspiration and photosynthetic rate to local-scale (approx 1 m) soil wetness are highly non-linear. Soil respiration is also highly dependent on very small-scale variations in soil wetness. We therefore expect significant inaccuracies whenever we insert a single grid area-average soil wetness value into a function to calculate any of these rates for the grid area. For the particular case of evapotranspiration., this method - use of a grid-averaged soil wetness value - can also provoke severe oscillations in the evapotranspiration rate and soil wetness under some conditions. A method is presented whereby the probability distribution timction(pdf) for soil wetness within a grid area is represented by binning. and numerical integration of the binned pdf is performed to provide a spatially-integrated wetness stress term for the whole grid area, which then permits calculation of grid area fluxes in a single operation. The method is very accurate when 10 or more bins are used, can deal realistically with spatially variable precipitation, conserves moisture exactly and allows for precise modification of the soil wetness pdf after every time step. The method could also be applied to other ecological problems where small-scale processes must be area-integrated, or upscaled, to estimate fluxes over large areas, for example in treatments of the terrestrial carbon budget or trace gas generation.

Sellers, Piers