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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 235 records · Page 13
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1987

On 3-D inelastic analysis methods for hot section components. Volume 1: Special finite element models

This Annual Status Report presents the results of work performed during the third year of the 3-D Inelastic Analysis Methods for Hot Section Components program (NASA Contract NAS3-23697). The objective of the program is to produce a series of new computer codes that permit more accurate and efficient three-dimensional analysis of selected hot section components, i.e., combustor liners, turbine blades, and turbine vanes. The computer codes embody a progression of mathematical models and are streamlined to take advantage of geometrical features, loading conditions, and forms of material response that distinguish each group of selected components. This report is presented in two volumes. Volume 1 describes effort performed under Task 4B, Special Finite Element Special Function Models, while Volume 2 concentrates on Task 4C, Advanced Special Functions Models.

Nakazawa, S.↗
NASA NTRS2002

Design Through Manufacturing: The Solid Model-Finite Element Analysis Interface

State-of-the-art computer aided design (CAD) presently affords engineers the opportunity to create solid models of machine parts reflecting every detail of the finished product. Ideally, in the aerospace industry, these models should fulfill two very important functions: (1) provide numerical. control information for automated manufacturing of precision parts, and (2) enable analysts to easily evaluate the stress levels (using finite element analysis - FEA) for all structurally significant parts used in aircraft and space vehicles. Today's state-of-the-art CAD programs perform function (1) very well, providing an excellent model for precision manufacturing. But they do not provide a straightforward and simple means of automating the translation from CAD to FEA models, especially for aircraft-type structures. Presently, the process of preparing CAD models for FEA consumes a great deal of the analyst's time.

Rubin, Carol↗
NASA NTRS2003

Design Through Manufacturing: The Solid Model - Finite Element Analysis Interface

State-of-the-art computer aided design (CAD) presently affords engineers the opportunity to create solid models of machine parts which reflect every detail of the finished product. Ideally, these models should fulfill two very important functions: (1) they must provide numerical control information for automated manufacturing of precision parts, and (2) they must enable analysts to easily evaluate the stress levels (using finite element analysis - FEA) for all structurally significant parts used in space missions. Today's state-of-the-art CAD programs perform function (1) very well, providing an excellent model for precision manufacturing. But they do not provide a straightforward and simple means of automating the translation from CAD to FEA models, especially for aircraft-type structures. The research performed during the fellowship period investigated the transition process from the solid CAD model to the FEA stress analysis model with the final goal of creating an automatic interface between the two. During the period of the fellowship a detailed multi-year program for the development of such an interface was created. The ultimate goal of this program will be the development of a fully parameterized automatic ProE/FEA translator for parts and assemblies, with the incorporation of data base management into the solution, and ultimately including computational fluid dynamics and thermal modeling in the interface.

Rubin, Carol↗
NASA NTRS1990

The semidiscrete Galerkin finite element modeling of compressible viscous flow past an airfoil

The primary project was the numerical simulation, by a finite element/finite difference method, of the viscous flow about an airfoil. The secondary project involved the numerical simulation of the three-dimensional separated and vortex-dominated flow about a hemispherically capped cylinder in the transonic regime. Preliminary calculations were started for the hemisphere-cylinder at 0 and 5 degree angle of attack. The solution of the flow field about airfoils and wings is required to determine the important parameters of lift, moment, and drag. Viscous effects must be accounted for if the drag is to be accurately calculated. At present there are basically two approaches to the numerical simulation of the flow field, the use of fully viscous models and the inviscid/viscous models. The fully viscous models require the solution of an approximation of the Navier-Stokes equations and therefore should simulate most of the physical mechanisms. A fast, accurate, and computationally efficient inviscid flow solver was recently developed by Hartwich. It is thought that Hartwich's program coupled to a fast, accurate, and computationally efficient boundary layer code, will make an excellent tool for airfoil design. The purpose of the primary project was to develop a compressible boundary layer code using the semidiscrete Galerkin finite element method. The numerical scheme employed used the combination of a Dorodnitsyn formulation of the boundary layer equations, with a finite difference/finite element procedure (semidiscrete Galerkin method), in the solution of the compressible two-dimensional boundary layer equations. A laminar compressible boundary layer code was developed and tested for a NACA 0012 airfoil at a Mach number of 0.5, a Reynolds number of 5000, and zero angle of attack. At present the boundary layer program solves up to, but not beyond, separation.

Meade, Andrew J.↗
DOE OSTI2022

Time reversal in a phononic crystal using finite-element modeling and an equivalent circuit model

A phononic crystal acts as a dispersive medium with a phase speed that is lower than the bulk wave speed at frequencies below the resonance of a single resonator. Time reversal is used to compensate for the phase shifts caused by individual resonators as the waves enter the medium and enable focusing of acoustic waves among the crystal. An equivalent circuit, which can predict the dispersion and attenuation of the crystal model, is shown and compared to a full-wave finite-element simulation in frequency and time. The phase shift due to a single resonator is also depicted.

Kingsley, Adam D. (ORCID:0000000226611788)↗
NASA NTRS1978

Finite element modeling of stress in the Nazca plate - Driving forces and plate boundary earthquakes

The state of stress within the Nazca plate due to plate driving forces and large plate boundary earthquakes has been analyzed by applying a finite element method using the wave front solution technique to models of the intraplate stress field in a single plate using a refined grid. Although only static elastic models have been explicitly calculated, certain limiting cases of an elastic plate over a viscous asthenosphere were also treated. A state of nearly east-west compression inferred from the source mechanism of thrust earthquakes in the interior of the plate requires ridge pushing forces. The net pulling force on the oceanic plate by the subducted slab has a maximum value comparable to pushing forces. The estimated horizontal deviatoric stress in intraplate regions, based on potential forces associated with the ridge, is on the order of a few hundred bars. The intraplate stress field in the region of the 1960 earthquake may change by a few tens of bars at most once the asthenosphere has relaxed, with changes on the order of one bar occurring at greater distances into the plate. The changes in the intraplate stress field are probably not noticeable unless the lithosphere is near failure.

Richardson, R. M.↗
NASA NTRS1981

A finite element model with nonviscous damping

A constitutive law by which structural damping is modeled as a relationship between stress, strain, and strain rate in a material is used in conjunction with the finite element method to develop general integral expressions for viscous and nonviscous damping matrices. To solve the set of nonlinear equations resulting from the presence of nonviscous damping, a solution technique is developed by modifying the Newmark method to accommodate an iterative solution and treat the nonviscous damping as a pseudo-force. The technique is then checked for accuracy and convergence in single- and multi-degree-of-freedom problems, and is found to be accurate and efficient for initial-condition problems with small nonviscous damping.

Roussos, L. A.↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Material Property Estimation in Thin Battery Components Using Guided Wave Measurement, Experimental Dispersion Curve Extraction and Finite Element Modeling

At NASA, we are investigating nondestructive evaluation (NDE) and structural health monitoring (SHM) techniques to detect precursors of thermal runaway failure in lithium metal based lithium ion batteries (LIB). The approach is centered on computational simulation models to guide inspection and aid in interpretation of results. Since lithium metal LIBs have combinations of solid and fluid-filled porous materials, obtaining accurate material properties is both challenging and critical for successful simulation of battery inspection. To this end, we investigated a multi-verification approach for material characterization of thin battery components. First, a laser Doppler vibrometer (LDV) was used to measure guided wave fields in thin (microns-thick) battery components subject to broadband excitation. The time-space wavefield data was converted to frequency-wave number data to extract guided wave dispersion curves. A data visualization and post processing graphics user interface (GUI) was developed at NASA to aid the data exploration and analysis. Due to the thinness of the samples, low frequency-thickness-product plate wave approximations allowed for the calculation of closed-form solutions for material elastic property estimation. These approximations were then verified by calculating the Lamb wave solutions using the previously obtained material properties. Finally, the estimated elastic material properties were implemented in a COMSOL simulation model, and dispersion curves were extracted from simulation results. The dispersion curves and derived material properties were then compared to the analysis results from the experimental data. These comparisons informed on the accuracy of the measured material properties and helped demonstrate the accuracy of the finite element analysis (FEA) computational models. This assessment will prove vital when we start simulating more complex multi-layer components and poroelastic media. This paper gives a brief background of the problem space, outlines the workflow for data analysis and verification, shows results from the workflow, and gives an overview of future plans for simulation of lithium metal LIB inspection.

Peter Juarez↗
NASA NTRS1984

Finite element modelling of buried structures

In many structures the final stress states are dependent on the sequence of construction or the stress states at various stages of construction are of interest. Such problems can be analyzed using finite element programs that have the capability of adding (birthing) elements to simulate the progress of construction. However, the usual procedure of assembling elements may lead to numerical instabilities or stress states that are unrealistic. Both problems are demonstrated in the analysis of a structure using the program ADINA. A technique which combines application of a preload with element birthing to overcome these problems is described and illustrated.

Playdon, D. K.↗
DOE OSTI2023

Investigation of desorption of hydrogen gas from polymer matrix using thermal desorption analysis and finite element modeling

Polymer materials are used widely as sealing materials and liners in hydrogen storage and transportation infrastructure. During operating conditions, polymers are exposed to high pressure hydrogen gas periodically. When in contact, the hydrogen gas diffuses through the polymer material with ease due to its smaller sized molecules compared to the polymer molecules. In the event of rapid decompression of outside hydrogen gas, the hydrogen molecules within the polymer diffuse out. This process is known as the desorption of polymer and can cause blisters or cracking causing permanent damage to the polymer. Here, we used a combined experimental and modeling approach to investigate the desorption of the hydrogen gas in the polymer. Thermal desorption analysis (TDA) experiments were performed on the polymer sample exposed to the high-pressure hydrogen gas to measure the diffusion coefficient and equilibrium hydrogen concentration. Experiments also provided the quantity of hydrogen within the polymer during the desorption process which followed Fick’s law. However, for higher pressurization values, some anomaly was observed in the quantity of hydrogen remaining in the polymer sample. A continuum mechanics based coupled diffusion–deformation-damage model was deployed to simulate the gas desorption process in the material using the finite element method to understand its effect on the material. It was found that the anomaly in TDA results were due to the blister formation on the polymer surface which resulted in longer hydrogen retention. Simulations also showed that blister formation can be affected by multiple parameters such as the addition of filler particles, and pre-existing cavity size.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
NASA NTRS1987

Finite element models of non-Newtonian crater relaxation

The effects of a non-Newtonian rheology on the profiles of relaxing craters (such as those seen on the surfaces of the icy Galilean and Saturnian satellites) were studied. Two-dimensional finite element simulations of non-Newtonian viscous flow were performed, and the results were compared with those associated with Newtonian rheology. Viscous relaxation of craters in a non-Newtonian medium was significantly different from that in a Newtonian medium. Crater rims are observed to relax at a more rapid rate in a non-Newtonian region as a result of the movement of the low viscosity region to underneath the crater rim after the initial relaxation of the bowl. Significant differences are also found when central depth is plotted as a function of time. For a Newtonian medium, crater relaxation is exponential in form. In contrast, non-Newtonian crater relaxation is initially rapid, in response to the large initial stresses and small viscosities; however, as stresses decrease, this relaxation becomes extremely gradual.

Thomas, Paul J.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Interlaminar fracture toughness: Three-dimensional finite element modeling for end-notch and mixed-mode flexure

A computational procedure is described for evaluating End-Notch-Flexure (ENF) and Mixed-Mode-Flexure (MMF) interlaminar fracture toughness in unidirectional fiber composites. The procedure consists of a three-dimensional finite element analysis in conjunction with the strain energy release rate concept and with composite micromechanics. The procedure is used to analyze select cases of ENF and MMF. The strain energy release rate predicted by this procedure is in good agreement with limited experimental data. The procedure is used to identify significant parameters associated with interlaminar fracture toughness. It is also used to determine the critical strain energy release rate and its attendant crack length in ENF and/or MMF. This computational procedure has considerable versatility/generality and provides extensive information about interlaminar fracture toughness in fiber composites.

Murthy, P. L. N.↗
DOE OSTI2022

Finite Element Modeling of Diffusion in Fractured Porous Media by Using Hierarchical Material Properties

Abstract Fractured porous media challenge modeling approaches due to high computational costs and excessive mesh refinement imposed by the extreme scale variability of fractures and the heterogeneity of the surrounding porous rock. To overcome such difficulties, we utilize the hierarchical finite element method ( Hi ‐FEM) that has been developed previously to simulate the electrical potential distribution in complex geologic environments. The method employs the hierarchical basis functions in classical finite element analysis to enable representation of material properties on each dimensional component of a given 3D unstructured finite element, thereby inherently allowing for interactions at the boundary between fracture and a host rock. In this study, we extend its application to transient fluid flow and heat conduction in the Laplace domain. Time‐domain flow solutions are obtained by numerical inverse Laplace transform. We evaluate the accuracy of the method using different flow models and demonstrate its robustness for large‐scale, rock mass models featuring complex fracture networks. Moreover, for the computation of nodal Darcian velocity fields in fractured porous media where the fractures are represented as 2D features, a new approach that employs the Yeh's Galerkin model for both volume and facet elements is proposed. Results show that Hi ‐FEM can produce accurate flow solutions for fractured porous media without any need of coupling or transfer mechanism while still being computationally economical and numerically robust, even for large‐scale simulations.

Beskardes, G. D.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Determination of efficiencies, loss mechanisms, and performance degradation factors in chopper controlled dc vehical motors. Section 2: The time dependent finite element modeling of the electromagnetic field in electrical machines: Methods and applications

The time dependent solution of the magnetic field is introduced as a method for accounting for the variation, in time, of the machine parameters in predicting and analyzing the performance of the electrical machines. The method of time dependent finite element was used in combination with an also time dependent construction of a grid for the air gap region. The Maxwell stress tensor was used to calculate the airgap torque from the magnetic vector potential distribution. Incremental inductances were defined and calculated as functions of time, depending on eddy currents and saturation. The currents in all the machine circuits were calculated in the time domain based on these inductances, which were continuously updated. The method was applied to a chopper controlled DC series motor used for electric vehicle drive, and to a salient pole sychronous motor with damper bars. Simulation results were compared to experimentally obtained ones.

Hamilton, H. B.↗