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Simmons, J.

Publications and source records attributed to Simmons, J..

Explicit Finite Element Modeling of Multilayer Composite Fabric for Gas Turbine Engine Containment Systems, Phase II: Material Model Development and Simulation of Experiments - Part 3

A team consisting of Arizona State University, Honeywell Engines, Systems & Services, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Glenn Research Center, and SRI International collaborated to develop computational models and verification testing for designing and evaluating turbine engine fan blade fabric containment structures. This research was conducted under the Federal Aviation Administration Airworthiness Assurance Center of Excellence and was sponsored by the Aircraft Catastrophic Failure Prevention Program. The research was directed toward improving the modeling of a turbine engine fabric containment structure for an engine blade-out containment demonstration test required for certification of aircraft engines. The research conducted in Phase II began a new level of capability to design and develop fan blade containment systems for turbine engines. Significant progress was made in three areas: (1) further development of the ballistic fabric model to increase confidence and robustness in the material models for the Kevlar(TradeName) and Zylon(TradeName) material models developed in Phase I, (2) the capability was improved for finite element modeling of multiple layers of fabric using multiple layers of shell elements, and (3) large-scale simulations were performed. This report concentrates on the material model development and simulations of the impact tests.

Zylon↗

Development of a Digital Meteorite Identification Program at University of New Mexico (UNM) (Institute of Meteoritics) and Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute (SIPI)

Determining the origin and chemical composition of suspect extra terrestrial specimens has lead to meteorite identification research programs. Such programs, like the University of New Mexico-Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute partnership, are being inundated with many non-meteorites (meteor wrongs) sent in by interested individuals from all over the world. This meteorite identification program developed a spreadsheet that aids in identifying the types of minerals in a sample for physical properties, possible meteorite characteristics, minerals and rock properties, and possible man made characteristics. Samples that show meteorite distinctiveness are further analyzed via the Scanning Electron Microprobe (SEM).

Gakin, R.↗

Examining Topography of Mars Impact Basins to Determine If Impact Basins Have Topographic Characteristics of a Crater

Determining the topography of suspect craters on Mars will help scientists better understand the land deformation that occurs from an asteroid or comet impact. This will provide a better understanding of how Mars has changed over time and the topography data could be used for planning future missions to Mars. We have begun a program at the Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute (SIPI), a Bureau of Indian Affairs junior college, to analyze large impact basins on Mars (>300 km diameter) utilizing Geographic Information System (GIS) technology. Collaborators at the University of New Mexico and the U.S. Geological Survey are providing technical support for this effort.

Livingston, A.↗

Meteorite Identification: A Partnership Opportunity

We have begun a partnership between the Institute of Meteoritics at the University of New Mexico and the Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute (SIPI) to involve SIPI students in the identification and characterization of samples provided by the general public as possible meteorites. Additional information is contained in the original extended abstract.

Karner, J. M.↗

GIS and RDBMS Used with Offline FAA Airspace Databases

A geographic information system (GIS) and relational database management system (RDBMS) were used in a Macintosh environment to access, manipulate, and display off-line FAA databases of airport and navigational aid locations, airways, and airspace boundaries. This proof-of-concept effort used data available from the Adaptation Controlled Environment System (ACES) and Digital Aeronautical Chart Supplement (DACS) databases to allow FAA cartographers and others to create computer-assisted charts and overlays as reference material for air traffic controllers. These products were created on an engineering model of the future GRASP (GRaphics Adaptation Support Position) workstation that will be used to make graphics and text products for the Advanced Automation System (AAS), which will upgrade and replace the current air traffic control system. Techniques developed during the prototyping effort have shown the viability of using databases to create graphical products without the need for an intervening data entry step.

air traffic control↗

An absorption event in 4U/MXB 1820 - 30

A search of the HEAO A-2 low-energy detector data base for absorption-like events from X-ray bulge sources and bursters has been performed. Only one event was found, from the burster 4U 1820 - 30, which is located in the globular cluster NGC 6624. Spectral analysis indicates an increase in equivalent column density accompanied by a decrease in the overall intensity. This is similar to previous spectral results for 4U 1915 - 05 and MXB 1659 - 29. The low-mass binary model is discussed in the context of these new observations.

Cominsky, L.↗

Etchants for Some Corrosion-Resistant Metals

Solutions that etch some corrosion-resistant metals described in test report. Etchants selected remove at least 0.4 mil of surface material per hour from nickel alloys, austenitic stainless steel, and annealed titanium alloys, without intergranular attack.

Simmons, J.↗

Kitt Peak 60-cm vacuum telescope

A major new solar-research telescope conceived and built during a time of budget restraint is described. The observation of magnetic and velocity (circulation) field structure on a synoptic basis and with diffraction-limited resolution is the aim. New optical features include the use of oversize mirrors and windows to avoid thermal edge effects and the placement of the coelostat feed outside the vacuum, mainly for economy. The site selected has prevailing winds that clear thermals from these mirrors. Test data in the form of the system MTF and optical transmission, together with examples of full disk magnetograms and photoheliograms, show present performance capability. Measured MTF indicates a response of 0.2 at 1 sec of arc (whereas diffraction-limited response would be about 0.8). System transmission, including the accompanying spectrograph, is only 2-3% (wavelength 0.44-1.1 microns). Thus, both the optical quality and efficiency are subject to improvement.

Livingston, W. C.↗