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Wieting, A. R.

Publications and source records attributed to Wieting, A. R..

35 records · Page 2

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.↗

Evaluation of finite element formulations for transient conduction forced-convection analysis

Numerical studies clarifying the advantages and disavantages of conventional versus upwind convective finite elements are presented along with lumped versus consistent formulations for practical conduction forced-convection analysis. A finite-element procedure for treatment of negligible capacitance fluid nodes is presented. The procedure is based on procedures used in finite-element structural dynamics to treat nodes with negligible structural mass. Two finite-element programs and a finite-difference lumped-parameter program used in the studies are discussed. Evaluation studies utilizing three convection and two combined conduction-convection problems are then presented and discussed. Additionally, the computational time saving offered by the finite element procedure is considered for a practical combined conduction-convection problem.

Thornton, E. A.↗

Application of numerical methods to heat transfer and thermal stress analysis of aerospace vehicles

The paper describes a thermal-structural design analysis study of a fuel-injection strut for a hydrogen-cooled scramjet engine for a supersonic transport, utilizing finite-element methodology. Applications of finite-element and finite-difference codes to the thermal-structural design-analysis of space transports and structures are discussed. The interaction between the thermal and structural analyses has led to development of finite-element thermal methodology to improve the integration between these two disciplines. The integrated thermal-structural analysis capability developed within the framework of a computer code is outlined.

Wieting, A. R.↗

Finite element methodology for transient conduction/forced-convection thermal analysis

Finite element methodology for steady state thermal analysis of convectively cooled structures has been extended for transient analysis. The finite elements are based on representing the fluid passages by fluid bulk-temperature nodes and fluid-solid interface nodes. The formulation of the finite element equations for a typical flow passage is based on the weighted residual method with upwind weighting functions. Computer implementation of the convective finite element methodology using explicit and implicit time integration algorithms is described. Accuracy and efficiency of the methodology is evaluated by comparisons with analytical solutions and finite-difference lumped-parameter analyses. The comparative analyses demonstrate that finite element conduction/conduction methodology may be used to predict transient temperatures with an accuracy equal or superior to the lumped-parameter finite-difference method.

Thornton, E. A.↗

Convectively cooled structures

Finite-element program called TAP 1 aids in steady state thermal analysis of structures that employ conductive or convective heat transfer.

Wieting, A. R.↗

Capability for aerothermal-structural tests of large-to-full-scale components of future space transportation systems

The design of viable, low-mass thermostructural concepts for future space transportation systems requires accurate definition of the localized heat flux, pressures, and flow-surface interaction parameters for complex flow regions of detailed areas of large vehicles, such as wing-elevon coves, thermal protection system tile gaps, and corrugated metallic surfaces. This paper discusses investigations recently conducted in and planned for two high-energy wind tunnels at the Langley Research Center - the 8-foot High-temperatures Tunnel and the Thermal Protection System Test Facility. The data obtained on large-to-full-scale vehicle components, comparisons of the experimental data with theory, and the large, reusable, generalized test apparatus available at or planned for these facilities are discussed.

Couch, L. M.↗

Evaluation of finite element formulations for transient conduction forced-convection analysis

Conventional versus upwind convective finite elements, and lumped versus consistent formulations for practical conduction/forced convection analysis are evaluated on the basis of numerical studies, with finite element and finite difference lumped-parameter temperatures compared to closed-form analytical solutions for convection problems. Attention is given to two practical combined conduction and forced convection applications, stressing that the finite element method, showing superior accuracy, is competitive with the finite difference lumped-parameter method. Also considered are the computational time savings offered by the zero capacitance nodes procedure and comparative finite element and finite difference lumped-parameter computer times. The present study has reference to the design of actively cooled engine and airframe structures for hypersonic flight.

Thornton, E. A.↗

A finite element thermal analysis procedure for several temperature-dependent parameters

A finite-element thermal analysis procedure for elements with several temperature-dependent thermal parameters is presented. The procedure, based on an application of the Newton-Raphson iteration technique, is formulated by resolving element matrices into component matrices, one component for each thermal parameter. Component conductance matrices are evaluated by assuming constant thermal parameters within an element and are computed once per unit thermal parameter. Significant savings in computer time result from the unit thermal parameter concept. The solution procedure applied to a convectively cooled structure with significantly varying thermal parameters converged in four iterations.

Thornton, E. A.↗

Recent advances in convectively cooled engine and airframe structures for hypersonic flight

A hydrogen-cooled structure for a fixed-geometry, airframe-integrated scramjet is described. The thermal/structural problems, concepts, design features, and technological advances are applicable to a broad range of engines. Convectively cooled airframe structural concepts that have evolved from an extensive series of investigations, the technology developments that have led to these concepts, and the benefits that accrue from their use are discussed.

Kelly, H. N.↗

Thermostructural analysis of a scramjet fuel-injection strut

Results of a thermal/structural design analysis study of a fuel injection strut for an airframe integrated hydrogen cooled scramjet are presented. It is indicated that a feasible thermal/structural concept has been identified for the static load conditions and that thermal stresses dominate the response. It is suggested that the response of the concept to dynamic loads be investigated.

Wieting, A. R.↗

Recent advances in thermostructural finite element analysis

A comparison study is described which has indicated that the finite element and lumped parameter methods are comparable for steady-state conduction/convection analyses. The finite element model was advantageous because of the ease of model verification with computer graphics. Some problems encountered in constructing compatible thermal and structural models have indicated the need for further methodology developments to automate the transition between thermal and structural analyses. The need for more efficient finite element nonlinear transient algorithms has been cited. With further development in the thermal analysis area, the finite element method offers high potential for an integrated thermal/structural analysis capability.

Thornton, E. A.↗

Recent advances in convectively cooled engine and airframe structures for hypersonic flight

Research over the past decade has identified critical thermal/structural design problems and has produced viable design concepts for a second generation experimental scramjet. The design concepts for the hydrogen fuel-cooled engine structure involve a variety of innovative features to accommodate the harsh aerothermal environment encountered within the engine. The baseline concept which has evolved has reasonable mass characteristics, and cooling requirements which permit engine operation to Mach 9-10 without additional hydrogen for engine cooling. Studies have identified fabrication techniques and coolant passage configurations that increase fatigue life of the structure an order of magnitude over previous configurations.

Kelly, H. N.↗

Exploratory study of transient upstart phenomena in a three-dimensional fixed-geometry scramjet engine

The structural and thermal design of a hydrogen fueled regeneratively cooled three dimensional fixed geometry scramjet was examined. An exploratory study was conducted at Mach 5.3 in the 7-inch Mach 7 pilot tunnel to investigate the unstart phenomena and to provide the experimental data base required to predict the design pressure loads. The test results indicate that the peak pressures occurred during the transient unstart and not during steady state started or unstarted flow conditions. The local peak pressures can be conservatively predicted by normal shock wave theory as the peak approaches the pressure that would exist behind a stationary normal shock with an upstream Mach number equal to the area weighted local Mach number for the normal started condition.

Wieting, A. R.↗

Comparison of NASTRAN and MITAS nonlinear thermal analyses of a convectively cooled structure

Comparative steady state nonlinear thermal analyses of a scramjet fuel injection strut are presented. The analyses were performed using the NASTRAN finite element program and MITAS, a lumped-parameter thermal analyzer. The strut is subjected to aerodynamic heating on two sides and is internally cooled by hydrogen flowing from internal manifolds through heat exchangers bonded to the primary structure. Based on coolant temperatures determined by MITAS, NASTRAN predicted temperature distributions throughout the strut which were in close agreement with similar MITAS predictions.

Thornton, E. A.↗

Preliminary thermal-structural design and analysis of an airframe-integrated hydrogen-cooled scramjet

This paper presents the salient features of a preliminary thermal-structural design and analysis study of a hydrogen-fueled, regeneratively cooled, airframe-integrated scramjet. This three-dimensional fixed geometry scramjet concept which was developed at NASA Langley Research Center is designed to operate over a flight Mach number range from 4 to 10. The thermal-structural study was focused on a scramjet application to one concept for a hypersonic research vehicle and was based on technology developed under the NASA Hypersonic Research Engine Project. State-of-the-art analytical methods consisting of lumped system and finite difference steady-state thermal analyses and a finite element structural analysis were used. The results of the study indicated that this scramjet concept is viable from both a structural mass and cooling requirement standpoint. However, advances in material and fabrication technology for hydrogen-cooled structures appear necessary for acceptable engine life for commercial application.

Wieting, A. R.↗