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At least 307 records · Page 17

Sensitivity analysis of discrete structural systems

Methods for calculating sensitivity derivatives for discrete structural systems are surveyed, primarily covering literature published during the past two decades. Methods are described for calculating derivatives of static displacements and stresses, eigenvalues and eigenvectors, transient structural response, and derivatives of optimum structural designs with respect to problem parameters. The survey is focused on publications developed in nonstructural fields such as electronics, controls, and physical chemistry which are directly applicable to structural problems. Most notable among the nonstructural-based methods are the adjoint variable technique from control theory, and the Green's function and FAST methods from physical chemistry.

Adelman, H. M.↗

Sensitivity analysis of Lyapunov and Riccati equations with application to controls-structures integrated design

Controls-structure integrated design is a complicated multidisciplinary design optimization problem which involves the state equations pertaining to open-loop eigenvalues and control laws. In order to alleviate the intensity of the computation, this study uses the adjoint variable method to derive sensitivity equations for the eigenvalue, Liapunov, and Riccati equations. These individual sensitivity equations are then combined together to form the multidisciplinary sensitivity equations for the control structure integrated design problems. A set of linear sensitivity equations, proportional in number to the number of performance functions involved in the optimization process, are solved. This proposed approach may provide a great saving in computer resources. The validity of the newly developed sensitivity equations is verified by numerical examples.

Hou, Gene↗

An Investigation of Synchrony in Transport Networks

The cumulative degree distributions of transport networks, such as air transportation networks and respiratory neuronal networks, follow power laws. The significance of power laws with respect to other network performance measures, such as throughput and synchronization, remains an open question. Evolving methods for the analysis and design of air transportation networks must address network performance in the face of increasing demands and the need to contain and control local network disturbances, such as congestion. Toward this end, we investigate functional relationships that govern the performance of transport networks; for example, the links between the first nontrivial eigenvalue of a network's Laplacian matrix - a quantitative measure of network synchronizability - and other global network parameters. In particular, among networks with a fixed degree distribution and fixed network assortativity (a measure of a network's preference to attach nodes based on a similarity or difference), those with the small eigenvalue are shown to be poor synchronizers, to have much longer shortest paths and to have greater clustering in comparison to those with large. A simulation of a respiratory network adds data to our investigation. This study is a beginning step in developing metrics and design variables for the analysis and active design of air transport networks.

Kincaid, Rex K.↗

MMIC devices for active phased array antennas

The study of printed circuit discontinuities is necessary in order to design, for example, transitions between rectangular waveguides and printed circuits. New developments with respect to the analytical approaches to this problem are discussed. A summary of the progress in the experimental approach is presented. The accurate solution for the modes in various millimeter-wave waveguides is essential in the analysis of many integrated circuit components, such as filters and impedance transformers. Problems associated with the numerical computation of these modes in two frequently used waveguide forms, namely, the finline and microstrip, are presented. The spectral domain method of formulation, with a moment method solution, is considered. This approach can be readily extended to analyze an arbitrary configuration of dielectric and metallized regions in a shielded enclosure. Galerkin's method is used, where the testing and basic functions are the same. It is shown that the mode functions, or eigenfunctions, are more sensitive to errors than the phase constants, or eigenvalues. The approximate mode functions do not satisfy the orthogonality relationship well, resulting in difficulties when these modal solutions are used to form an approximate Green's function or are used in a mode matching analysis.

Mittra, R.↗

Stability analysis of a buck regulator employing input filter compensation

The interaction between the input filter and the regulator often causes serious degradation of performance. The reduction in loop gain due to input filter interaction can result in system instability. An exact stability analysis of the buck regulator system is presented. The input filter parameter values are varied and system instability is predicted for the case without feedforward. The eigenvalues of the system can be brought back into the unit circle and the system thus stabilized with the addition of the feedforward loop. Measurements made for the cases with and without feedforward confirm the analytical prediction.

Kelkar, S. S.↗

Stability and structure of stretched vortices

The linear stability of the symmetric Burgers vortex to a class of two-dimensional perturbations is demonstrated. The linear stability of the axially symmetric Burgers vortex to two-dimensional low-Reynolds number disturbances is first discussed. The analysis describes the connection of the normal modes with a classical set of special functions. An expansion in Reynolds number gives the variation of the temporal eigenvalues of the normal modes. Then, Burgers-type solutions are sought where the radially inward-straining field is not axially symmetric. A rational perturbation procedure is used to obtain a new class of nonsymmetric Burgers vortices valid when the Reynolds number and the asymmetry in the external strain are small. Finally, the perturbation solutions are numerically extended to larger values of the parameters.

Robinson, A. C.↗

Minimization of the vibration energy of thin-plate structure

An optimization method is proposed to reduce the vibration of thin plate structures. The method is based on a finite element shell analysis, a modal analysis, and a structural optimization method. In the finite element analysis, a triangular shell element with 18 dof is used. In the optimization, the overall vibration energy of the structure is adopted as the objective function, and it is minimized at the given exciting frequency by varying the thickness of the elements. The technique of modal analysis is used to derive the sensitivity of the vibration energy with respect to the design variables. The sensitivity is represented by the sensitivities of both eigenvalues and eigenvectors. The optimum value is computed by the gradient projection method and a unidimensional search procedure under the constraint condition of constant weight. A computer code, based on the proposed method, is developed and is applied to design problems using a beam and a plate as test cases. It is confirmed that the vibration energy is reduced at the given exciting frequency. For the beam excited by a frequency slightly less than the fundamental natural frequency, the optimized shape is close to the beam of uniform strength.

Inoue, Katsumi↗

Mean Flow Augmented Acoustics in Rocket Systems

Oscillatory motion in solid rocket motors and liquid engines has long been a subject of concern. Many rockets display violent fluctuations in pressure, velocity, and temperature originating from the complex interactions between the combustion process and gas dynamics. The customary approach to modeling acoustic waves inside a rocket chamber is to apply the classical inhomogeneous wave equation to the combustion gas. The assumption of a linear, non-dissipative wave in a quiescent fluid remains valid while the acoustic amplitudes are small and local gas velocities stay below Mach 0.2. The converging section of a rocket nozzle, where gradients in pressure, density, and velocity become large, is a notable region where this approach is not applicable. The expulsion of unsteady energy through the nozzle of a rocket is identified as the predominate source of acoustic damping for most rocket systems. An accurate model of the acoustic behavior within this region where acoustic modes are influenced by the presence of a steady mean flow is required for reliable stability predictions. Recently, an approach to address nozzle damping with mean flow effects was implemented by French [1]. This new approach extends the work originated by Sigman and Zinn [2] by solving the acoustic velocity potential equation (AVPE) formulated by perturbing the Euler equations [3]. The acoustic velocity potential (psi) describing the acoustic wave motion in the presence of an inhomogeneous steady high-speed flow is defined by, (del squared)(psi) − (lambda/c)(exp 2)(psi) − M(dot)[M(dot)(del)(del(psi))] − 2(lambda(M/c) + (M(dot)del(M))(dot)del(psi)−2(lambda)(psi)[M(dot)del(1/c)]=0 (1) with M as the Mach vector, c as the speed of sound, and lambda as the complex eigenvalue. French apply the finite volume method to solve the steady flow field within the combustion chamber and nozzle with inviscid walls. The complex eigenvalues and eigenvector are determined with the use of the ARPACK eigensolver. The present study employs the COMSOL Multphysics framework to solve the coupled eigenvalue problem using the finite element approach. The study requires one way coupling of the CFD High Mach Number Flow (HMNF) and mathematics module. The HMNF module evaluated the gas flow inside of a solid rocket motor using St. Robert's law modeling solid propellant burn rate, slip boundary conditions, and the supersonic outflow condition. Results from the HMNF model are used by the coefficient form of the mathematics module to determine the eigenvalues of the AVPE. The mathematics model is truncated at the nozzle sonic line, where a zero flux boundary condition is self-satisfying. The remaining boundaries are modeled with a zero flux boundary condition, assuming zero acoustic absorption on all surfaces. Pertinent results from these analyses are the complex valued eigenvalue and eigenvectors. Comparisons are made to the French results to evaluate the modeling approach. A comparison of the French results with that of the present analysis is displayed in figures 1 and 2, respectively. The graphic shows the first tangential eigenvector's real (a) and imaginary (b) values.

Fischbach, Sean R.↗

Application of a systematic finite-element model modification technique to dynamic analysis of structures

A systematic finite-element model modification technique has been applied to two small problems and a model of the main wing box of a research drone aircraft. The procedure determines the sensitivity of the eigenvalues and eigenvector components to specific structural changes, calculates the required changes and modifies the finite-element model. Good results were obtained where large stiffness modifications were required to satisfy large eigenvalue changes. Sensitivity matrix conditioning problems required the development of techniques to insure existence of a solution and accelerate its convergence. A method is proposed to assist the analyst in selecting stiffness parameters for modification.

Robinson, J. C.↗

Multiple eigenvalues of sound-absorbing circular and annular ducts

Eigenvalue equations of the form D(lambda) = 0 are studied for acoustic modes in circular and annular ducts without flow. The ducts have locally reacting walls with arbitrary wall admittance. It is shown that circular ducts may have double eigenvalues, or wall admittances where both D(lambda) and D prime (lambda) are zero. These double eigenvalues are formed by the coalescence of the lowest-order eigenfunction with some higher-order eigenfunction. The eigenfunctions, or acoustic modes, associated with the double eigenvalues are found to be orthogonal to themselves so that the standard expansion formula for the acoustic field, which is obtained from a separation-of-variables analysis, is invalid. An alternate expansion formula for the acoustic field is derived. This alternate formula shows that the coalesced acoustic mode is linearly amplified by the transmission distance and exponentially attenuated at the expected rate. The expansion formula also reveals a new eigenfunction, or acoustic mode, which is exponentially attenuated at the same rate as the coalesced eigenfunction.

Zorumski, W. E.↗

Appendage modal coordinate truncation criteria in hybrid coordinate dynamic analysis

The paper examines the validity of the assumption that certain appendage-distributed (modal) coordinates can be truncated from a system model without unacceptable degradation of fidelity in hybrid coordinate dynamic analysis for attitude control of spacecraft with flexible appendages. Alternative truncation criteria are proposed and their interrelationships defined. Particular attention is given to truncation criteria based on eigenvalues, eigenvectors, and controllability and observability. No definitive resolution of the problem is advanced, and exhaustive study is required to obtain ultimate truncation criteria.

Likins, P.↗

Normal mode analysis of the IUS/TDRS payload in a payload canister/transporter environment

Special modeling techniques were developed to simulate an accurate mathematical model of the transporter/canister/payload system during ground transport of the Inertial Upper Stage/Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (IUS/TDRS) payload. The three finite element models - the transporter, the canister, and the IUS/TDRS payload - were merged into one model and used along with the NASTRAN normal mode analysis. Deficiencies were found in the NASTRAN program that make a total analysis using modal transient response impractical. It was also discovered that inaccuracies may exist for NASTRAN rigid body modes on large models when Given's method for eigenvalue extraction is employed. The deficiencies as well as recommendations for improving the NASTRAN program are discussed.

Meyer, K. A.↗

On High-Order Upwind Methods for Advection

In the fourth installment of the celebrated series of five papers entitled "Towards the ultimate conservative difference scheme", Van Leer (1977) introduced five schemes for advection, the first three are piecewise linear, and the last two, piecewise parabolic. Among the five, scheme I, which is the least accurate, extends with relative ease to systems of equations in multiple dimensions. As a result, it became the most popular and is widely known as the MUSCL scheme (monotone upstream-centered schemes for conservation laws). Schemes III and V have the same accuracy, are the most accurate, and are closely related to current high-order methods. Scheme III uses a piecewise linear approximation that is discontinuous across cells, and can be considered as a precursor of the discontinuous Galerkin methods. Scheme V employs a piecewise quadratic approximation that is, as opposed to the case of scheme III, continuous across cells. This method is the basis for the on-going "active flux scheme" developed by Roe and collaborators. Here, schemes III and V are shown to be equivalent in the sense that they yield identical (reconstructed) solutions, provided the initial condition for scheme III is defined from that of scheme V in a manner dependent on the CFL number. This equivalence is counter intuitive since it is generally believed that piecewise linear and piecewise parabolic methods cannot produce the same solutions due to their different degrees of approximation. The finding also shows a key connection between the approaches of discontinuous and continuous polynomial approximations. In addition to the discussed equivalence, a framework using both projection and interpolation that extends schemes III and V into a single family of high-order schemes is introduced. For these high-order extensions, it is demonstrated via Fourier analysis that schemes with the same number of degrees of freedom 𝐾 per cell, in spite of the different piecewise polynomial degrees, share the same sets of eigenvalues and thus, have the same stability and accuracy. Moreover, these schemes are accurate to order 2𝐾−1, which is higher than the expected order of 𝐾.

high-order methods↗

Modern digital flight control system design for VTOL aircraft

Methods for and results from the design and evaluation of a digital flight control system (DFCS) for a CH-47B helicopter are presented. The DFCS employed proportional-integral control logic to provide rapid, precise response to automatic or manual guidance commands while following conventional or spiral-descent approach paths. It contained altitude- and velocity-command modes, and it adapted to varying flight conditions through gain scheduling. Extensive use was made of linear systems analysis techniques. The DFCS was designed, using linear-optimal estimation and control theory, and the effects of gain scheduling are assessed by examination of closed-loop eigenvalues and time responses.

Broussard, J. R.↗

Buckling of periodic structures

Equations are developed for the buckling of a general lattice structure that has repetitive geometry. Equilibrium at a typical node is expressed using finite element techniques, and the only assumption is that the response is periodic. By basing the stiffness matrix on the exact solution of the beam column equation, accurate results are obtained for complex buckling behavior that would require a very large system of equations using conventional techniques. The present method requires the eigenvalues of only a 6x6 determinant. The results are used to study the buckling of isogrid cylinders, three-element truss columns and polygonal rings. Details of the analysis including expressions for all terms in the governing stability determinant are given.

Anderson, M. S.↗

Approximate analysis for resonance of an incompressible shear layer plus edges

A method for approximately analyzing the feedback between downstream and upstream edges in incompressible shear flow is described. The shear flow is modeled by a vortex sheet. Equations for resonance eigenvalues are derived. After the reduction of growth rate by finite shear layer thickness is allowed for, agreement is found between calculated resonances and those that have been observed experimentally.

Durbin, P. A.↗

Calculation of stresses and forces between the skin and stiffener in composite panels

A methodology for computing the stresses at the interface between the skin and stiffener in stiffened composite panels is described. The methodology is based on finite-element analyses and on elasticity solution. The finite-element analyses are standard, while the elasticity solution is based on eigenvalue expansions of the stress function. The eigenvalue expansions are assumed to be valid in the local region where the stiffener flange terminates. The local elasticity solution is coupled to the global finite-element analysis using collocation on the boundary of the local region. Accuracy and convergence of the method are discussed and several examples of its utility are presented.

Hyer, M. W.↗