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At least 199 records · Page 11

Free vibration characteristics of multiple load path blades by the transfer matrix method

The determination of free vibrational characteristics is basic to any dynamic design, and these characteristics can form the basis for aeroelastic stability analyses. Conventional helicopter blades are typically idealized as single-load-path blades, and the transfer matrix method is well suited to analyze such blades. Several current helicopter dynamic programs employ transfer matrices to analyze the rotor blades. In this paper, however, the transfer matrix method is extended to treat multiple-load-path blades, without resorting to an equivalent single-load-path approximation. With such an extension, these current rotor dynamic programs which employ the transfer matrix method can be modified with relative ease to account for the multiple load paths. Unlike the conventional blades, the multiple-load-path blades require the introduction of the axial degree-of-freedom into the solution process to account for the differential axial displacements of the different load paths. The transfer matrix formulation is validated through comparison with the finite-element solutions.

Murthy, V. R.↗

Antecedent Hydrologic Conditions Reflected in Stream Lithium Isotope Ratios During Storms

Antecedent hydrological conditions are recorded through the evolution of dissolved lithium isotope signatures (δ 7 Li) by juxtaposing two storm events in an upland watershed subject to a Mediterranean climate. Discharge and δ 7 Li are negatively correlated in both events,but mean δ 7 Li ratios and associated ranges of variation are distinct between them. We apply a previously developed reactive transport model (RTM) for the site to these event-scale flow perturbations, but observed shifts in stream δ 7 Li are not reproduced. To reconcile the stability of the subsurface solute weathering profile with our observations of dynamic stream δ 7 Li signatures, we couple the RTM to a distribution of fluid transit times that evolve based on storm hydrographs. The approach guides appropriate flux-weighting of fluid from the RTM over a range of flow path lengths, or equivalently fluid residence times. This flux-weighted RTM approach accurately reproduces dynamic storm δ 7 Li-discharge patterns distinguished by the antecedent conditions of the watershed.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗

Multidisciplinary Aerodynamic-Structural Shape Optimization Using Deformation (MASSOUD)

This paper presents a multidisciplinary shape parameterization approach. The approach consists of two basic concepts: (1) parameterizing the shape perturbations rather than the geometry itself and (2) performing the shape deformation by means of the soft object animation algorithms used in computer graphics. Because the formulation presented in this paper is independent of grid topology, we can treat computational fluid dynamics and finite element grids in a similar manner. The proposed approach is simple, compact, and efficient. Also, the analytical sensitivity derivatives are easily computed for use in a gradient-based optimization. This algorithm is suitable for low-fidelity (e.g., linear aerodynamics and equivalent laminated plate structures) and high-fidelity (e.g., nonlinear computational fluid dynamics and detailed finite element modeling analysis tools. This paper contains the implementation details of parameterizing for planform, twist, dihedral, thickness, camber, and free-form surface. Results are presented for a multidisciplinary design optimization application consisting of nonlinear computational fluid dynamics, detailed computational structural mechanics, and a simple performance module.

Samareh, Jamshid A.↗

Multidisciplinary Aerodynamic-Structural Shape Optimization Using Deformation (MASSOUD)

This paper presents a multidisciplinary shape parameterization approach. The approach consists of two basic concepts: (1) parameterizing the shape perturbations rather than the geometry itself and (2) performing the shape deformation by means of the soft object animation algorithms used in computer graphics. Because the formulation presented in this paper is independent of grid topology, we can treat computational fluid dynamics and finite element grids in the same manner. The proposed approach is simple, compact, and efficient. Also, the analytical sensitivity derivatives are easily computed for use in a gradient-based optimization. This algorithm is suitable for low-fidelity (e.g., linear aerodynamics and equivalent laminate plate structures) and high-fidelity (e.g., nonlinear computational fluid dynamics and detailed finite element modeling) analysis tools. This paper contains the implementation details of parameterizing for planform, twist, dihedral, thickness, camber, and free-form surface. Results are presented for a multidisciplinary application consisting of nonlinear computational fluid dynamics, detailed computational structural mechanics, and a simple performance module.

Samareh, Jamshid A.↗

Three-Dimensional Settling Dynamics of Environmental Microplastics

Resolving the three-dimensional settling dynamics of microplastic (MP) particles is essential for developing comprehensive models of MP transport in rivers-both vertically within the water column and laterally across the channel. While previous research has largely examined one-dimensional vertical settling velocities, little is known about the lateral drifting, settling paths, and horizontal velocities of MPs. To address this, we investigated the full three-dimensional settling behavior of environmental MPs collected from rivers and ocean water, as well as from estuarine and ocean sediment. Geometric properties of 127 environmental MPs were quantified by a dynamic particle image analyzer, and their settling trajectories were recorded and reconstructed via a multicamera tracking algorithm. This enabled quantification of a particle's horizontal drift, tortuosity, amplitude and settling pattern, as well as vertical and horizontal velocities. Results showed that spherical MPs settled with minimal lateral displacement, whereas elongated particles, such as rod- and blade-shaped MPs, displayed pronounced lateral movements, reaching up to 65 times their equivalent diameter and averaging more than twice that of spheres. These dynamics suggest that elongated MPs may have a greater probability for wider lateral dispersion in rivers, increasing their likelihood for interactions with riverbanks and channel boundaries compared to more spherical shaped MPs.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Effect of Injection Dynamics on Wave Propagation in a Linear Detonation Combustor

Injector response to self-excited and sustained detonation wave propagation in an optically-accessible nonpremixed natural gas-oxygen linear detonation combustor is investigated. 100 kHz measurements of planar laser induced fluorescence (PLIF) of trace quantities of acetone injected into the fuel supply and simultaneous OH∗ chemiluminescence measurements were used to correlate the effect on injection dynamics on detonation wave structure and propagation. Measurements over a range of equivalence ratios (0.61-1.48) revealed wave propagation through regions of high fuel stratification in the axial and transverse direction of reactant injection. Consequently, the propagation of the detonation wave along the channel is through a flow-field with significant variation in fuel mass fraction, reactivity, and sound speeds. At lean conditions, wave propagation frequency is generally lower (∼6 kHz) resulting in longer time between wave passages for mixing and pre-heat resulting in steeper detonation wave-fronts anchored near the injector exit plane. Conversely, at rich equivalence ratios the wave frequency is higher (∼10 kHz) resulting in shorter intra-cycle period for reactant fill and mixing resulting waves lifted from the injection plane that are more compact. Higher chemiluminescence intensity in the post-wave region with deflagrative combustion is observed in these cases. Phase averaged representation of the acetone-PLIF measurements indicate that the fraction of time between wave passages available for reactant fill, mixing and pre-heat is consistent across all equivalence ratios.

Propulsion↗

Effect of Injection Dynamics on Detonation Wave Propagation in a Linear Detonation Combustor

Injector response to self-excited and sustained detonation wave propagation in an optically-accessible nonpremixed natural gas-oxygen linear detonation combustor is investigated. 100 kHz measurements of planar laser induced fluorescence (PLIF) of trace quantities of acetone injected into the fuel supply and simultaneous OH∗ chemiluminescence measurements were used to correlate the effect on injection dynamics on detonation wave structure and propagation. Measurements over a range of equivalence ratios (0.61-1.48) revealed wave propagation through regions of high fuel stratification in the axial and transverse direction of reactant injection. Consequently, the propagation of the detonation wave along the channel is through a flow-field with significant variation in fuel mass fraction, reactivity, and sound speeds. At lean conditions, wave propagation frequency is generally lower (∼6 kHz) resulting in longer time between wave passages for mixing and pre-heat resulting in steeper detonation wave-fronts anchored near the injector exit plane. Conversely, at rich equivalence ratios the wave frequency is higher (∼10 kHz) resulting in shorter intra-cycle period for reactant fill and mixing resulting waves lifted from the injection plane that are more compact. Higher chemiluminescence intensity in the post-wave region with deflagrative combustion is observed in these cases. Phase averaged representation of the acetone-PLIF measurements indicate that the fraction of time between wave passages available for reactant fill, mixing and pre-heat is consistent across all equivalence ratios.

Propulsion↗

V/STOL tilt rotor aircraft study: Wind tunnel tests of a full scale hingeless prop/rotor designed for the Boeing Model 222 tilt rotor aircraft

The rotor system designed for the Boeing Model 222 tilt rotor aircraft is a soft-in-plane hingeless rotor design, 26 feet in diameter. This rotor has completed two test programs in the NASA Ames 40' X 80' wind tunnel. The first test was a windmilling rotor test on two dynamic wing test stands. The rotor was tested up to an advance ratio equivalence of 400 knots. The second test used the NASA powered propeller test rig and data were obtained in hover, transition and low speed cruise flight. Test data were obtained in the areas of wing-rotor dynamics, rotor loads, stability and control, feedback controls, and performance to meet the test objectives. These data are presented.

Magee, J. P.↗

Structural dynamics and vibrations of damped, aircraft-type structures

Engineering preliminary design methods for approximating and predicting the effects of viscous or equivalent viscous-type damping treatments on the free and forced vibration of lightly damped aircraft-type structures are developed. Similar developments are presented for dynamic hysteresis viscoelastic-type damping treatments. It is shown by both engineering analysis and numerical illustrations that the intermodal coupling of the undamped modes arising from the introduction of damping may be neglected in applying these preliminary design methods, except when dissimilar modes of these lightly damped, complex aircraft-type structures have identical or nearly identical natural frequencies. In such cases, it is shown that a relatively simple, additional interaction calculation between pairs of modes exhibiting this 'modal response' phenomenon suffices in the prediction of interacting modal damping fractions. The accuracy of the methods is shown to be very good to excellent, depending on the normal natural frequency separation of the system modes, thereby permitting a relatively simple preliminary design approach. This approach is shown to be a natural precursor to elaborate finite element, digital computer design computations in evaluating the type, quantity, and location of damping treatment.

Young, Maurice I.↗

3D Printing of Liquid Crystal Elastomer Foams for Enhanced Energy Dissipation Under Mechanical Insult

Polymer foams are an essential class of lightweight materials used to protect assets against mechanical insults, such as shock and vibration. Two features are important to enhance their energy absorption characteristics: the foam structure and the matrix phase mechanical behavior. This study investigates novel approaches to control both of these features to enhance the energy absorption capability of flexible lattice foams. First, we consider 3D printing via digital light processing (DLP) as a method to control the foam mesostructure across a suite of periodic unit cells. Second, we introduce an additional energy dissipation mechanism in the solid matrix phase material by 3D printing the lattice foams with polydomain liquid crystal elastomer (LCE), which undergo a mechanically induced phase transition under large strains. This phase transition is associated with LC mesogen rotation and alignment and provides a second mechanism for mechanical energy dissipation in addition to the viscoelastic relaxation of the polymer network. Here, we contrast the 3D printed LCE lattices with conventional, thermomechanically near-equivalent elastomer lattice foams to quantify the energy-absorbing enhancement the LCE matrix phase provides. Under cyclic quasi-static uniaxial compression conditions, the LCE lattices show dramatically enhanced energy dissipation in uniaxial compression compared to the non-LCE equivalent foams printed with a commercially available photocurable elastomer resin. The lattice geometry also plays a prominent role in determining the energy dissipation ratio between the LCE and non-LCE foams. We show that when increasing the lattice connectivity, the foam deformation transitions from bending-dominated to stretching-dominated deformations, which generates higher axial strains in the struts and higher energy dissipation in the lattice foam, as stretching allows greater mesogen rotation than bending. The LCE foams demonstrate superior energy absorption during the repeated dynamic loading during drop testing compared with the non-LCE equivalent foams, demonstrating the potential of LCEs to enhance physical protection systems against mechanical impact.

3D printing↗

Dynamical and Chemical Behavior of the Lower Stratosphere and Interactions with the Troposphere

Equivalent-barotropic calculations, in tandem with Lagrangian analyses, reveal how changes of total ozone follow from vertical and horizontal transport by planetary waves. Those calculations also throw light on how diabatic motions comprising the Brewer-Dobson circulation develop from quasi-horizontal advection by planetary waves. Potential temperature along a material surface indicates organized subsidence inside the polar-night vortex, resembling tracer observations from UARS. Lagrangian histories illustrate that this sinking motion follows in large part from parcels being driven out of thermodynamic equilibrium by planetary waves, especially at high latitudes. Irreversible heat transfer then produces a net drift of air across isentropic surfaces as parcels orbit about the displaced vortex. By driving mean-meridional overturning in the stratosphere, this downward drift is ultimately responsible for transferring ozone from the tropics to the extratropical lower stratosphere. It also introduces horizontal structure into the distribution of total ozone, which surfaces clearly in ozone trends. High-resolution global cloud imagery constructed from 6 satellites simultaneously observing the Earth was used to investigate the spectrum of equatorial waves generated by tropical convection and propagating vertically into the stratosphere. The results indicate that temperature variability is dominated by planetary-scale equatorial waves like the Kelvin mode, which agrees with satellite observations of the tropical stratosphere. However, the Kelvin mode accounts for only about 30 - 50% of the eastward momentum flux radiating into the stratosphere, the remainder coming from gravity waves. An algorithm was developed to determine 3-dimensional atmospheric motion from satellite tracer measurements. Based on Lagrangian constraints, the algorithm circumvents limitations of the traditional scheme for inferring motion from temperature measurements and determines the circulation in the tropics as reliably as elsewhere. A study of deep convection revealed that the highest towers (those penetrating into stratospheric air and controlling tropopause height and composition through convective mixing) occur in close association with the diurnal cycle of convection. Clouds colder than 220 K develop almost entirely in association with the diurnal cycle of convection over tropical landmasses and substantially in association with it even over maritime regions.

Salby, Murry L.↗

Experimental Combustion Dynamics Behavior of a Multi-Element Lean Direct Injection (LDI) Gas Turbine Combustor

An experimental investigation of the combustion dynamic characteristics of a research multi-element lean direct injection (LDI) combustor under simulated gas turbine conditions was conducted. The objective was to gain a better understanding of the physical phenomena inside a pressurized flametube combustion chamber under acoustically isolated conditions. A nine-point swirl venturi lean direct injection (SV-LDI) geometry was evaluated at inlet pressures up to 2,413 kPa and non-vitiated air temperatures up to 867 K. The equivalence ratio was varied to obtain adiabatic flame temperatures between 1388 K and 1905 K. Dynamic pressure measurements were taken upstream of the SV-LDI, in the combustion zone and downstream of the exit nozzle. The measurements showed that combustion dynamics were fairly small when the fuel was distributed uniformly and mostly due to fluid dynamics effects. Dynamic pressure fluctuations larger than 40 kPa at low frequencies were measured at 653 K inlet temperature and 1117 kPa inlet pressure when fuel was shifted and the pilot fuel injector equivalence ratio was increased to 0.72.

dynamics↗

Unexpected Giant Microwave Conductivity in a Nominally Silent BiFeO 3 Domain Wall

Nanoelectronic devices based on ferroelectric domain walls (DWs), such as memories, transistors, and rectifiers, have been shown in recent years. Practical high-speed electronics, on the other hand, usually demand operation frequencies in the gigahertz (GHz) regime, where the effect of dipolar oscillation is important. Herein, an unexpected giant GHz conductivity on the order of 10 3 S m -1 is observed in certain BiFeO 3 DWs, which is about 100 000 times greater than the carrier-induced direct current (dc) conductivity of the same walls. Surprisingly, the nominal configuration of the DWs precludes the alternating current (ac) conduction under an excitation electric field perpendicular to the surface. Theoretical analysis reflects that the inclined DWs are stressed asymmetrically near the film surface, whereas the vertical walls in a control sample are not. The resultant imbalanced polarization profile can then couple to the out-of-plane microwave fields and induce power dissipation, which is confirmed by the phase-field modeling. Since the contributions from mobile-carrier conduction and bound-charge oscillation to the ac conductivity are equivalent in a microwave circuit, the research on local structural dynamics may open a new avenue to implement DW nano-devices for radio-frequency applications.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Tracking seasonal variability in plant traits from spaceborne PRISMA and NEON AOP across forest types and ecoregions

Plant traits serve as critical indicators of how plants adapt to environmental changes and influence ecosystem functions. While airborne hyperspectral remote sensing effectively maps plant traits through detailed reflectance properties, it is limited by cost and scale, making large-scale and temporal studies challenging. The recently launched spaceborne hyperspectral imager, PRecursore IperSpettrale della Missione Applicativa (PRISMA), offers frequent, large scale and high-fidelity observations on a spatial resolution of 30 m and a revisit time of around 29 days, making it suitable for large-scale seasonal trait mapping. However, their potential remains largely unexplored. This study developed a multi-stage framework by leveraging the PRISMA spaceborne hyperspectral data and National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) Airborne Observation Platform (AOP) hyperspectral data to investigate the seasonal dynamics of four key plant traits — chlorophyll content, carotenoid content, equivalent water thickness, and nitrogen content — across eleven NEON sites representing diverse forest types and ecoregions in the contiguous U.S. Our results demonstrated that PRISMA hyperspectral data can reliably track seasonal variability in plant traits, achieving overall R 2 values ranging from 0.78 to 0.88 and normalized root mean square error (NRMSE) values ranging from 5.4% to 8.4% for the four traits. Seasonal patterns revealed bell-shaped trajectories for chlorophyll and carotenoids, while equivalent water thickness decreased steadily across most sites, driven by structural changes during leaf maturation and senescence. Nitrogen content exhibited less pronounced seasonal variation but followed expected nutrient resorption patterns. Analysis of environmental drivers showed that seasonal variability is primarily controlled by solar radiation and day length in northern sites, vapor pressure in semi-arid regions, and temperature in mid-southeastern sites. Spatial variability, meanwhile, was primarily driven by soil properties, particularly during the peak growing season. However, the influence of soil variables slightly declines toward the end of the season at several sites, as climatic factors become more prominent. This study highlights the capability of PRISMA, and potentially other similar spaceborne hyperspectral data for large-scale, time-series plant trait mapping and provides valuable insights into the interactions between plant traits and environmental factors. In conclusion, these findings contribute to advancing our understanding of plant functional ecology and improving predictions of ecosystem responses to environmental changes.

Environmental drivers↗

Quantum Hamiltonian algorithms for maximum independent sets

ABSTRACT We compare two quantum Hamiltonian algorithms that address the maximum independent set problem: one based on the emergent non-Abelian gauge matrix in adiabatic evolution of an energetically isolated manifold of states; the other based on designed application of single-qubit operations. We demonstrate that they are mathematically equivalent in the sense that one is the other’s interaction picture. Despite their mathematical equivalence, our numerical simulations show significant differences between them in performance, which is explained analytically. Intriguingly, this equivalence unveils that the PXP model, recently prominent in quantum dynamics research, can be viewed as quantum diffusion over the median graph of all independent sets governed by the non-Abelian gauge matrix.

Science & Technology - Other Topics↗

Influence of planetary-scale topography on the diurnal thermal tide during the 1971 Martian dust storm

Data obtained with the Mariner 9 infrared spectroscopy experiment during the Martian Dust Storm of 1971 to 1972 are examined for evidence of topographic influence on the atmospheric thermal structure. Temperature perturbations which are well correlated with the planetary scale topography are found superposed on the large amplitude diurnal thermal tide. Applications of tidal theory to the data indicate that the observed perturbations result from the kinematic interaction of the westward traveling diurnal wave with the large scale components of topography. The dominant mode is excited by the wave-number two topography component and is a vertically evanescent eastward traveling wave with an equivalent depth comparable to the atmospheric scale height. The principle dynamic effect of this mode is the enhancement of the amplitude of the near-surface diurnal wind to over 40m/sec in limited areas near 30 deg south latitude. It appears likely that dust was injected into the atmosphere in these regions during the storm.

Conrath, B. J.↗

Thematic Mapper Spectral Dimensionality and Data Structure

A simulated LANDSAT 4 TM and MSS data set, representing three crops over three growing seasons and a wide variety of soil types, was used to evaluate the structure of TM data and to compare its characteristics to those of MSS data. TM bands 2, 3, and 4, transformed to tasseled cap-like coordinates, provide an equivalent data space to MSS tasseled cap data, with greater dynamic range and no apparent loss of information resulting from the exclusion of the 0.9 to 1.1 micron region. Data from the six reflective TM bands (excluding the thermal band) primarily occupy two planes and a transition zone between them. The plane of vegetation is comparable to the MSS tasseled cap plane, while the plane of soils and transition zone provide a new dimension of information unavailable from the MSS. This added dimension offers promise of improved ability to determine the relative mix of vegetation and soil in the sensor field of view and to estimate soil moisture status. The improvement in spectral characteristics of the TM over the MSS, not to mention the greater spatial resolution, have resulted in a significant increase in the information content of the data.

Crist, E. P.↗

Dynamics, statistics and predictability of planetary flow regimes

Consideration is given to regimes of low-frequency variability in large-scale atmospheric dynamics. The model utilized is the fully-nonlinear, equivalent-baratropic vorticity equation on the sphere, with simplified forcing, dissipation and topography. It is found that certain limited regions in the system's phase space are visited repeatedly and for extended periods by model solutions. Flow patterns coupled with these regions correspond to synoptically-defined zonal and blocked Northern Hemisphere midlatitude flows. It is shown that the system's macrodynamics can be depicted by two or more planetary flow regimes, the expected residence time in each regime, and the transition properties from one regime to another. These model-derived ideas are also applied to a time series of atmospheric data from the Southern Hemisphere.

Ghil, Michael↗