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At least 181 records · Page 10

Stresses from arbitrary loads on a circular crack

An inclusive theory is developed for stresses and displacements due to arbitrarily distributed normal and tangential loads acting on a circular crack in an infinite body. The representation chosen for the boundary conditions leads to solutions expressed as series of Bessel-function integrals of a class quite susceptible to further analysis and to rapid evaluation on modern computers. The load coefficients which appear in all the solution series bear intelligible interpretation, and stress intensity factors are related to them by simple formulas. The inclusiveness and tractability of the solutions qualify this theory to be a useful part of analyses for cracks in finite bodies in which the effective crack loads can assume many patterns.

Bell, J. C.↗

Modal interaction in postbuckled plates. Theory

Plates can have more than one buckled solution for a fixed set of boundary conditions. The theory for the identification and the computation of multiple solutions in buckled plates is examined. The theory predicts modal interaction (which is also called change in buckle pattern or secondary buckling) in experiments on certain plates with multiple theoretical solutions. A set of coordinate functions is defined for Galerkin's method so that the von Karman plate equations are reduced to a coupled set of cubic equations in generalized coordinates that are uncoupled in the linear terms. An iterative procedure for solving modal interaction problems is suggested based on this cubic form.

Thurston, Gaylen A.↗

Dynamics and Control of Articulated Anisotropic Timoshenko Beams

The paper illustrates the use of continuum models in control design for stabilizing flexible structures. A 6-DOF anisotropic Timoshenko beam with discrete nodes where lumped masses or actuators are located provides a sufficiently rich model to be of interest for mathematical theory as well as practical application. We develop concepts and tools to help answer engineering questions without having to resort to ad hoc heuristic ("physical") arguments or faith. In this sense the paper is more mathematically oriented than engineering papers and vice versa at the same time. For instance we make precise time-domain solutions using the theory of semigroups of operators rather than formal "inverse Laplace transforms." We show that the modes arise as eigenvalues of the generator of the semigroup, which are then related to the eigenvalues of the stiffness operator. With the feedback control, the modes are no longer orthogonal and the question naturally arises as to whether there is still a modal expansion. Here we prove that the eigenfunctions yield a biorthogonal Riesz basis and indicate the corresponding expansion. We prove mathematically that the number of eigenvalues is nonfinite, based on the theory of zeros of entire functions. We make precise the notion of asymptotic modes and indicate how to calculate them. Although limited by space, we do consider the root locus problem and show for instance that the damping at first increases as the control gain increases but starts to decrease at a critical value, and goes to zero as the gain increases without bound. The undamped oscillatory modes remain oscillatory and the rigid-body modes go over into deadbeat modes. The Timoshenko model dynamics are translated into a canonical wave equation in a Hilbert space. The solution is shown to require the use of an "energy" norm which is no more than the total energy: potential plus kinetic. We show that, under an appropriate extension of the notion of controllability, rate feedback with a collocated sensor can stabilize the structure in the sense that all modes are damped and the energy decays to zero. An example, non-numeric, is worked out in some detail illustrating the concepts and theory developed.

Balakrishnan, A. V.↗

A simplified orthotropic viscoplasticity theory based on overstress

The viscoplasticity theory based on overstress, a simplified version of Sutcu (1985) theory, is presented for the case of orthotropy. The theory permits asymptotic solutions for checking numerical experiments and for identification of material properties. It is applicable to materials with rate(time) dependence, hysteresis, and a permanent set, such as cubic crystals, directionally solidified alloys, and metal matrix composites. Though it is a unified type theory, with effects of creep and plasticity not separated, it allows to identify viscous and plastic contributions to the stress in the asymptotic state.

Sutcu, M.↗

Nonisentropic unsteady three dimensional small disturbance potential theory

Modifications that allow for more accurate modeling of flow fields when strong shocks are present were made into three dimensional transonic small disturbance (TSD) potential theory. The Engquist-Osher type-dependent differencing was incorporated into the solution algorithm. The modified theory was implemented in the XTRAN3S computer code. Steady flows over a rectangular wing with a constant NACA 0012 airfoil section and an aspect ratio of 12 were calculated for freestream Mach numbers (M) of 0.82, 0.84, and 0.86. The obtained results are compared using the modified and unmodified TSD theories and the results from a three dimensional Euler code are presented. Nonunique solutions in three dimensions are shown to appear for the rectangular wing as aspect ratio increases. Steady and unsteady results are shown for the RAE tailplane model at M = 0.90. Calculations using unmodified theory, modified theory and experimental data are compared.

Gibbons, M. D.↗

Cosmic-ray transport theory and out-of-the-ecliptic exploration

The reasons for studying cosmic-ray transport theory are summarized and the fundamentally three-dimensional nature of the process is pointed out. It is shown that observations in the solar ecliptic plane cannot unambiguously test transport theories since the solutions to the transport equations depend critically on boundary conditions and variation of parameters such as diffusion tensor out of the ecliptic. Sample calculations (Fokker-Planck coefficient) are shown which illustrate the problem. It is concluded that out-of-the-ecliptic observations are essential to further test transport theory.

Jokipii, J. R.↗

The Milankovitch theory and climate sensitivity. I - Equilibrium climate model solutions for the present surface conditions. II - Interaction between the Northern Hemisphere ice sheets and the climate system

A seasonal climate model was developed to test the climate sensitivity and, in particular, the Milankovitch (1941) theory. Four climate model versions were implemented to investigate the range of uncertainty in the parameterizations of three basic feedback mechanisms: the ice albedo-temperature, the outgoing long-wave radiation-temperature, and the eddy transport-meridional temperature gradient. It was found that the differences between the simulation of the present climate by the four versions were generally small, especially for annually averaged results. The climate model was also used to study the effect of growing/shrinking of a continental ice sheet, bedrock sinking/uplifting, and sea level changes on the climate system, taking also into account the feedback effects on the climate of the building of the ice caps.

Neeman, Binyamin U.↗

Advancement of proprotor technology. Task 2: Wind-tunnel test results

An advanced-design 25-foot-diameter flightworthy proprotor was tested in the NASA-Ames Large-Scale Wind Tunnel. These tests, have verified and confirmed the theory and design solutions developed as part of the Army Composite Aircraft Program. This report presents the test results and compares them with theoretical predictions. During performance tests, the results met or exceeded predictions. Hover thrust 15 percent greater than the predicted maximum was measured. In airplane mode, propulsive efficiencies (some of which exceeded 90 percent) agreed with theory.

Source record↗

Analysis and closed-form solutions of circular and rectangular apertures in the transverse plane of a circular waveguide

An analysis is carried out to determine the discontinuity susceptance of a circular or rectangular aperture in the transverse plane of a circular waveguide. Closed-form solutions based on the scattered amplitude calculation and aperture coupling theory are derived. Example solutions for a small circular aperture and a resonant rectangular aperture are given. The calculated results agree very well with the experiments. The results have many applications in the design of circular waveguide components and circular waveguide-backed aperture antennas.

Eastham, Gary B.↗

Solutal Convection in a Magnetic Fluid

A theoretical and experimental study is presented on the stability of solutal convection of a magnetized fluid in the presence of a magnetic field. The total force on the fluid is derived and equilibrium positions are computed establishing the field necessary to counter fluid buoyancy. The requirements for stability are developed and compared with experiments with a paramagnetic fluid. The experiments are in good agreement not only with the theoretical predictions for equilibrium but also verify the stability theory which predicts both horizontal and vertical stability. Analogous to results for levitation, the theory indicates that solutal convection in paramagnetic fluids cannot be completely stabilized while that in diamagnetic liquid are possible.

Leslie, Fred↗

A geometrically nonlinear analysis of interlaminar stresses in unsymmetrically laminated plates subjected to uniform thermal loading

An analytical study of interlaminar stresses in unsymmetrically laminated plates is presented. The study examines the linear elastic, large deflection response of square laminated composite plates subjected to uniform thermal loading. Both cross-ply and angle-ply, symmetric and unsymmetric, laminates are examined to evaluate the effects of mismatch between adjacent layers in elastic constants and coefficients of thermal expansion. A geometrically nonlinear kinematic description is used to predict the large out-of-plane (transverse) deflections. The nonlinear, three-dimensional boundary value problems are formulated from elasticity theory and approximate solutions are determined using the finite element method. A global/local analysis procedure is used to obtain improved free edge stress predictions. For the laminates and loading conditions considered, the results indicate that the out-of-plane deflections of the unsymmetric laminates reduce interlaminar shear stresses. These deflections also reduce interlaminar normal stresses in some laminates and increase these stresses for others. The results indicate that as the out-of-plane deflections become large, the differences in interlaminar stress predictions between linear and nonlinear theory can become quite large.

Norwood, D. S.↗

Parallel CFD Algorithms for Aerodynamical Flow Solvers on Unstructured Meshes

The Advisory Group for Aerospace Research and Development (AGARD) has requested my participation in the lecture series entitled Parallel Computing in Computational Fluid Dynamics to be held at the von Karman Institute in Brussels, Belgium on May 15-19, 1995. In addition, a request has been made from the US Coordinator for AGARD at the Pentagon for NASA Ames to hold a repetition of the lecture series on October 16-20, 1995. I have been asked to be a local coordinator for the Ames event. All AGARD lecture series events have attendance limited to NATO allied countries. A brief of the lecture series is provided in the attached enclosure. Specifically, I have been asked to give two lectures of approximately 75 minutes each on the subject of parallel solution techniques for the fluid flow equations on unstructured meshes. The title of my lectures is "Parallel CFD Algorithms for Aerodynamical Flow Solvers on Unstructured Meshes" (Parts I-II). The contents of these lectures will be largely review in nature and will draw upon previously published work in this area. Topics of my lectures will include: (1) Mesh partitioning algorithms. Recursive techniques based on coordinate bisection, Cuthill-McKee level structures, and spectral bisection. (2) Newton's method for large scale CFD problems. Size and complexity estimates for Newton's method, modifications for insuring global convergence. (3) Techniques for constructing the Jacobian matrix. Analytic and numerical techniques for Jacobian matrix-vector products, constructing the transposed matrix, extensions to optimization and homotopy theories. (4) Iterative solution algorithms. Practical experience with GIVIRES and BICG-STAB matrix solvers. (5) Parallel matrix preconditioning. Incomplete Lower-Upper (ILU) factorization, domain-decomposed ILU, approximate Schur complement strategies.

Barth, Timothy J.↗

Origin of the asteroid belt

Earlier and current concepts relevant to the origin of the asteroid belt are discussed and are considered in the framework of the solar system origin. Numerical and analytical solutions of the dynamical theory of planetesimal accumulation are characterized by bifurcations into runaway and nonrunaway solutions, and it is emphasized that the differences in time scales resulting from runaway and nonrunaway growth can be more important than conventional time scale differences determined by heliocentric distances. It is concluded that, in principle, it is possible to combine new calculations with previous work to formulate a theory of the asteroidal accumulation consistent with the meteoritic record and with work on the formation of terrestrial planets. Problems remaining to be addressed before a mature theory can be formulated are discussed.

Wetherill, George W.↗

Pressure wave propagation studies for oscillating cascades

The unsteady flow field around an oscillating cascade of flat plates is studied using a time marching Euler code. Exact solutions based on linear theory serve as model problems to study pressure wave propagation in the numerical solution. The importance of using proper unsteady boundary conditions, grid resolution, and time step is demonstrated. Results show that an approximate non-reflecting boundary condition based on linear theory does a good job of minimizing reflections from the inflow and outflow boundaries and allows the placement of the boundaries to be closer than cases using reflective boundary conditions. Stretching the boundary to dampen the unsteady waves is another way to minimize reflections. Grid clustering near the plates does a better job of capturing the unsteady flow field than cases using uniform grids as long as the CFL number is less than one for a sufficient portion of the grid. Results for various stagger angles and oscillation frequencies show good agreement with linear theory as long as the grid is properly resolved.

Huff, Dennis L.↗

Pressure wave propagation studies for oscillating cascades

The unsteady flowfield around an oscillating cascade of flat plates is studied using a time marching Euler code. Exact solutions based on linear theory serve as model problems to study pressure wave propagation in the numerical solution. The importance of using proper unsteady boundary conditions, grid resolution, and time step is demonstrated. Results show that an approximate non-reflecting boundary condition based on linear theory does a good job of minimizing reflections from the inflow and outflow boundaries and allows the placement of the boundaries to be closer than cases using reflective boundary conditions. Stretching the boundary to dampen the unsteady waves is another way to minimize reflections. Grid clustering near the plates does a better job of capturing the unsteady flowfield than cases using uniform grids as long as the CFL number is less than one for a sufficient portion of the grid. Results for various stagger angles and oscillation frequencies show good agreement with linear theory as long as the grid is properly resolved.

Huff, Dennis L.↗

Unsteady-flow-field predictions for oscillating cascades

The unsteady flow field around an oscillating cascade of flat plates with zero stagger was studied by using a time marching Euler code. This case had an exact solution based on linear theory and served as a model problem for studying pressure wave propagation in the numerical solution. The importance of using proper unsteady boundary conditions, grid resolution, and time step size was shown for a moderate reduced frequency. Results show that an approximate nonreflecting boundary condition based on linear theory does a good job of minimizing reflections from the inflow and outflow boundaries and allows the placement of the boundaries to be closer to the airfoils than when reflective boundaries are used. Stretching the boundary to dampen the unsteady waves is another way to minimize reflections. Grid clustering near the plates captures the unsteady flow field better than when uniform grids are used as long as the 'Courant Friedrichs Levy' (CFL) number is less than 1 for a sufficient portion of the grid. Finally, a solution based on an optimization of grid, CFL number, and boundary conditions shows good agreement with linear theory.

Huff, Dennis L.↗