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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 325 records · Page 18

Fully Associative, Nonisothermal, Potential-Based Unified Viscoplastic Model for Titanium-Based Matrices

A number of titanium matrix composite (TMC) systems are currently being investigated for high-temperature air frame and propulsion system applications. As a result, numerous computational methodologies for predicting both deformation and life for this class of materials are under development. An integral part of these methodologies is an accurate and computationally efficient constitutive model for the metallic matrix constituent. Furthermore, because these systems are designed to operate at elevated temperatures, the required constitutive models must account for both time-dependent and time-independent deformations. To accomplish this, the NASA Lewis Research Center is employing a recently developed, complete, potential-based framework. This framework, which utilizes internal state variables, was put forth for the derivation of reversible and irreversible constitutive equations. The framework, and consequently the resulting constitutive model, is termed complete because the existence of the total (integrated) form of the Gibbs complementary free energy and complementary dissipation potentials are assumed a priori. The specific forms selected here for both the Gibbs and complementary dissipation potentials result in a fully associative, multiaxial, nonisothermal, unified viscoplastic model with nonlinear kinematic hardening. This model constitutes one of many models in the Generalized Viscoplasticity with Potential Structure (GVIPS) class of inelastic constitutive equations.

Source record↗

A computer program to generate equations of motion matrices, L217 (EOM). Volume 2: Supplemental system design and maintenance document

The equations of motion program L217 (EOM) is described. The program formulates the matrix coefficients for a second order linear differential equation which describes the motion of an airplane relative to its level equilibrium flight condition. Aerodynamic data from FLEXSTAB or Doublet Lattice (L216) programs are used to derive the equations for quasi-steady or complete unsteady aerodynamics.

Clemmons, R. E.↗

Thermal stability of the microstructure of an aged Nb-Zr-C alloy

The effects of thermal aging with and without an applied stress on the microstructure of a Nb-Zr-C alloy containing 0.9 wt percent Zr and 0.06 wt percent C were studied. Chemical analysis, metallographic examination, energy dispersive x-ray spectra of the bulk material, and chemical and x-ray analyses of the phase-extracted residue were used to characterize the microstructure. The samples examined were from a creep strength study involving hot and cold working, and various combinations of exposure to temperatures ranging from 1350 to 1755 K with and without applied load for times as long as 34,000 plus hours. The results showed that the initial microstructure consisted primarily of orthorombic precipitates of Nb sub 2 C which were partially or completely transformed to face-centered cubic carbides of nb and Zr, (Zr, Nb)C, upon prolonged exposure to elevated temperatures. Furthermore, it was found that the microstructure of the alloy is extremely stable owing to the very finely distributed precipitates throughout its matrix and along the grain boundaries. The lattice parameters of the cubic carbides were determed to vary from 0.458 to 0.465 nm as the Zr/Nb ratio varied from 38/62 to 75/25.

Uz, Mehmet↗

Thermal stability of the microstructure of an aged Nb-Zr-C alloy

The effects of thermal aging with and without an applied stress on the microstructure of a Nb-Zr-C alloy containing 0.9 wt percent Zr and 0.06 percent C were studied. Chemical analysis, metallographic examination, energy dispersive X-ray spectra of the bulk material, and chemical and X-ray analyses of the phase-extracted residue were used to characterize the microstructure. The samples examined were from a creep strength study involving hot and cold working, and various combinations of exposure to temperatures ranging from 1350 to 1755 K with and without applied load times as long as 34,000 plus hours. The results showed that the initial microstructure consisted primarily of orthorombic precipitates of Nb sub C which were partially or completely transformed to face-centered cubic carbides of Nb and Zr, (Zr, Nb)C, upon prolonged exposure to elevated temperatures. Furthermore, it was found that the microstructure of the alloy is extremely stable owing to the very finely distributed precipitates throughout its matrix and along the grain boundaries. The lattice parameters of the cubic carbides were determined to vary from 0.458 to 0.465 nm as the Zr/Nb ratio varied from 38/62 to 75/25.

Uz, Mehmet↗

Biomaterials and bone mechanotransduction

Bone is an extremely complex tissue that provides many essential functions in the body. Bone tissue engineering holds great promise in providing strategies that will result in complete regeneration of bone and restoration of its function. Currently, such strategies include the transplantation of highly porous scaffolds seeded with cells. Prior to transplantation the seeded cells are cultured in vitro in order for the cells to proliferate, differentiate and generate extracellular matrix. Factors that can affect cellular function include the cell-biomaterial interaction, as well as the biochemical and the mechanical environment. To optimize culture conditions, good understanding of these parameters is necessary. The new developments in bone biology, bone cell mechanotransduction, and cell-surface interactions are reviewed here to demonstrate that bone mechanotransduction is strongly influenced by the biomaterial properties.

Review↗

A simplified computer solution for the flexibility matrix of contacting teeth for spiral bevel gears

A computer code, FLEXM, was developed to calculate the flexibility matrices of contacting teeth for spiral bevel gears using a simplified analysis based on the elementary beam theory for the deformation of gear and shaft. The simplified theory requires a computer time at least one order of magnitude less than that needed for the complete finite element method analysis reported earlier by H. Chao, and it is much easier to apply for different gear and shaft geometries. Results were obtained for a set of spiral bevel gears. The teeth deflections due to torsion, bending moment, shearing strain and axial force were found to be in the order 10(-5), 10(-6), 10(-7), and 10(-8) respectively. Thus, the torsional deformation was the most predominant factor. In the analysis of dynamic load, response frequencies were found to be larger when the mass or moment of inertia was smaller or the stiffness was larger. The change in damping coefficient had little influence on the resonance frequency, but has a marked influence on the dynamic load at the resonant frequencies.

Hsu, C. Y.↗

Mechanical and Physical Properties of Both Unaged and Aged Coflon and Tefzel

This report deals with all recent mechanical testing performed on variously aged samples of Coflon and TefzeL to complete the work for Phase 1. Earlier results were reported in CAPP/M.7. Fluids A, F, G, and I have all been used for ageing in the last 12 month period, with particular attention concentrated on the effects of Fluid F as a result of discussions at the December 1995 steering committee meeting in Austin. Dramatic mechanical and physical changes occurred to Coflon in our initial studies after 4 weeks at 120 C in this sour gas mixture and so a detailed matrix was drawn up to investigate the effects of time and temperature of exposure. Subsequent tensile tests and compact tension (CT) fatigue tests were performed. Fatigue testing has been limited during this period to Coflon only; however, Tefzel CT samples have been exposed to the same conditions as the Coflon allowing the possibility for fatigue tests to be performed at a later date. Fluid A exposures during the last 6 months have been long-term at 65 C, 100 C and 120 C only. These exposures have been a continuation of earlier work and will complete the investigation of this fluid. Other chemical ageings have involved Fluid G at 120 C to confirm and investigate the hostile nature of this fluid on Coflon. Again, this fluid will not be used in Phase 2. Finally, long-term exposures in Fluid 1, a high aromatic oil mixture, were carried out to investigate the effects on the polymers of aromaticity in a simulated service fluid.

Samulak, M.↗

Develop and test fuel cell powered on-site integrated total energy systems

On-going testing of an 11 cell, 10.7 in. x 14 in. stack (about 1 kW) reached 2600 hours on steady load. Nonmetallic cooling plates and an automated electrolyte replenishment system continued to perform well. A 10 cell, 10.7 in. x 14 in. stack was constructed with a modified electrolyte matrix configuration for the purpose of reducing cell IR loss. The desired effect was achieved, but the general cell performance level was irregular. Evaluation is continuing. Preparations for a long term 25 cell, 13 in. x 23 in. test stack (about 4 kW) approached completion. Start up in early May 1984 is expected.

Kaufman, A.↗

A reformulation of the Linear-Quadratic-Gaussian stochastic control problem for application to low thrust navigation analysis

The formulation of the classical Linear-Quadratic-Gaussian stochastic control problem as employed in low thrust navigation analysis is reviewed. A reformulation is then presented which eliminates a potentially unreliable matrix subtraction in the control calculations, improves the computational efficiency, and provides for a cleaner computational interface between the estimation and control processes. Lastly, the application of the U-D factorization method to the reformulated equations is examined with the objective of achieving a complete set of factored equations for the joint estimation and control problem.

Jacobson, R. A.↗

Dynamics of rotationally periodic large space structure

The analysis of large area rotationally periodic space structures presented in the paper combines the finite element method, transfer matrix procedures, approximation methods, and periodic structure analysis to obtain computational efficiency. The computations used in the analysis indicate that additive damping mechanisms can be evaluated from the frequency response of the structure. The transient response can also be obtained from the frequency response to complete the dynamic analysis.

Mcdaniel, T. J.↗

Second Generation Integrated Composite Analyzer (ICAN) Computer Code

This manual updates the original 1986 NASA TP-2515, Integrated Composite Analyzer (ICAN) Users and Programmers Manual. The various enhancements and newly added features are described to enable the user to prepare the appropriate input data to run this updated version of the ICAN code. For reference, the micromechanics equations are provided in an appendix and should be compared to those in the original manual for modifications. A complete output for a sample case is also provided in a separate appendix. The input to the code includes constituent material properties, factors reflecting the fabrication process, and laminate configuration. The code performs micromechanics, macromechanics, and laminate analyses, including the hygrothermal response of polymer-matrix-based fiber composites. The output includes the various ply and composite properties, the composite structural response, and the composite stress analysis results with details on failure. The code is written in FORTRAN 77 and can be used efficiently as a self-contained package (or as a module) in complex structural analysis programs. The input-output format has changed considerably from the original version of ICAN and is described extensively through the use of a sample problem.

Murthy, Pappu L. N.↗

Thermohydrodynamic analysis of cryogenic liquid turbulent flow fluid film bearings, phase 2

The Phase 2 (1994) Annual Progress Report presents two major report sections describing the thermal analysis of tilting- and flexure-pad hybrid bearings, and the unsteady flow and transient response of a point mass rotor supported on fluid film bearings. A literature review on the subject of two-phase flow in fluid film bearings and part of the proposed work for 1995 are also included. The programs delivered at the end of 1994 are named hydroflext and hydrotran. Both codes are fully compatible with the hydrosealt (1993) program. The new programs retain the same calculating options of hydrosealt plus the added bearing geometries, and unsteady flow and transient forced response. Refer to the hydroflext & hydrotran User's Manual and Tutorial for basic information on the analysis and instructions to run the programs. The Examples Handbook contains the test bearing cases along with comparisons with experimental data or published analytical values. The following major tasks were completed in 1994 (Phase 2): (1) extension of the thermohydrodynamic analysis and development of computer program hydroflext to model various bearing geometries, namely, tilting-pad hydrodynamic journal bearings, flexure-pad cylindrical bearings (hydrostatic and hydrodynamic), and cylindrical pad bearings with a simple elastic matrix (ideal foil bearings); (2) improved thermal model including radial heat transfer through the bearing stator; (3) calculation of the unsteady bulk-flow field in fluid film bearings and the transient response of a point mass rotor supported on bearings; and (4) a literature review on the subject of two-phase flows and homogeneous-mixture flows in thin-film geometries.

Sanandres, Luis↗

Automatic force balance calibration system

A system for automatically calibrating force balances is provided. The invention uses a reference balance aligned with the balance being calibrated to provide superior accuracy while minimizing the time required to complete the calibration. The reference balance and the test balance are rigidly attached together with closely aligned moment centers. Loads placed on the system equally effect each balance, and the differences in the readings of the two balances can be used to generate the calibration matrix for the test balance. Since the accuracy of the test calibration is determined by the accuracy of the reference balance and current technology allows for reference balances to be calibrated to within +/-0.05% the entire system has an accuracy of +/-0.2%. The entire apparatus is relatively small and can be mounted on a movable base for easy transport between test locations. The system can also accept a wide variety of reference balances, thus allowing calibration under diverse load and size requirements.

Ferris, Alice T.↗

Capillary Movement in Substrates in Microgravity

A more complete understanding of the dynamics of capillary flow through an unsaturated porous medium would be useful for a number of space and terrestrial applications. Knowledge of capillary migration of liquids in granular beds in microgravity would significantly enhance the development and understanding of how a matrix based nutrient delivery system for the growth of plants would function in a microgravity environment. Thus, such information is of interest from the theoretical as well as practical point of view.

Bula, R. J.↗

Assessment of Internal Fabric of Particulate Materials

Particle arrangement and distribution within a soil matrix has long been recognized as having significant influence on the mechanical behavior of cohesionless soils. It is well known that two soil specimens having the same grain type (e.g., quartz, feldspar, etc.), same grain size distribution and relative density (or void ratio) can display completely different mechanical behavior. Because of the different fabric configurations in the otherwise similar specimens, they are likely to have different mechanical properties such as stress-strain response, anisotropy, dilatancy, etc. Soil Fabric is defined as the arrangement of particles, particle groups and associated pore space. In the literature, fabric analysis techniques are mainly classified as destructive (e.g., specimen stabilization, thin-sectioning, and microscopy), and nondestructive techniques (e.g., magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasonic testing, x-ray radiography, and computed tomography). Quantifying the void ratio and its distribution is the main parameter used to describe the fabric of particulate materials. This paper presents a comprehensive literature review of fabric analysis techniques applied to particulate materials. In addition, the results of a comprehensive investigation to quantify void ratio of sand specimens will be presented and discussed. The sand used in the experiments in a natural, uniform rounded to sub-rounded silica sand known as F-75 banding sand with mean particle size of 0.22 mm. Uniform specimens and specimens subjected to different axial-strain levels tested under triaxial and biaxial conditions are examined to evaluate void ratio evolution and its distribution using destructive thin-sectioning and nondestructive Computed Tomography (CT) techniques. Details of a new innovative polygon generation technique called Voronoi tessellation used to quantify void ratio of microscopic images of sand grains will be presented and compared to classical Oda's method. Finally, frequency distribution of void ratio calculated using CT analysis will be presented and discussed.

Alshibi, Khalid A.↗

Spectroscopic Determination of the Physical Conditions in Hot Optically Thin Sources

Astrophysical Plasma Emission Database - APED consists of atomic data, primarily theoretical, needed to calculate X-ray through optical emission spectra of hot thermal plasmas. These data are supplemented by experimental values, such as laboratory plasma wave- lengths, and are validated by experiment only rarely. Thus the comparison of predicted spectra to astrophysical spectra serves as invaluable feedback on the quality of the models. Following up on unfavorable comparisons, we have communicated atomic data needs to atomic theorists and experimental plasma physicists so that improvements can be made to the database. The database is now reasonably complete from approx. 1 to 30 A, and from - 90 to 180 A, with significant gaps remaining in the range 30 to 90 A. Astrophysical Plasma Emission Code - APEC uses the APED data as inputs and computes level populations and line emissivities using a rate matrix solver. Tabulated models for a fine grid of temperatures and densities can be applied to observational data. The current public version of APEC output uses an input ionization balance model, assuming CIE; however, we have a working version to calculate the ionization state of the gas. We will begin testing non-equilibrium ionization (NEI) models over the next year - we are now finalizing the atomic database needed to perform the ionization state calculations. At that time, the code will be made public. We have developed optimized error codes, additional testing protocols and substantial documentation, in preparation for this public release. Secondarily, we have begun to investigate the use of APED and APEC for X-ray photoionized plasma, beginning with opacity modeling (e.g. warm absorbers). Application to bright AGN Chandra grating spectra suggests that the accurate wavelengths in APED are of great importance to fitting the data. We are exploring additional subroutines to APEC to extend its usefulness for X-ray photoionized plasma, e.g. to include collisional or photo-excitation of metastable levels for absorption.

Oliversen, Ronald J.↗

Automatic force balance calibration system

A system for automatically calibrating force balances is provided. The invention uses a reference balance aligned with the balance being calibrated to provide superior accuracy while minimizing the time required to complete the calibration. The reference balance and the test balance are rigidly attached together with closely aligned moment centers. Loads placed on the system equally effect each balance, and the differences in the readings of the two balances can be used to generate the calibration matrix for the test balance. Since the accuracy of the test calibration is determined by the accuracy of the reference balance and current technology allows for reference balances to be calibrated to within .+-.0.05%, the entire system has an accuracy of a .+-.0.2%. The entire apparatus is relatively small and can be mounted on a movable base for easy transport between test locations. The system can also accept a wide variety of reference balances, thus allowing calibration under diverse load and size requirements.

Ferris, Alice T.↗

Non-LTE radiative transfer with lambda-acceleration - Convergence properties using exact full and diagonal lambda-operators

We investigate the convergence properties of Lambda-acceleration methods for non-LTE radiative transfer problems in planar and spherical geometry. Matrix elements of the 'exact' A-operator are used to accelerate convergence to a solution in which both the radiative transfer and atomic rate equations are simultaneously satisfied. Convergence properties of two-level and multilevel atomic systems are investigated for methods using: (1) the complete Lambda-operator, and (2) the diagonal of the Lambda-operator. We find that the convergence properties for the method utilizing the complete Lambda-operator are significantly better than those of the diagonal Lambda-operator method, often reducing the number of iterations needed for convergence by a factor of between two and seven. However, the overall computational time required for large scale calculations - that is, those with many atomic levels and spatial zones - is typically a factor of a few larger for the complete Lambda-operator method, suggesting that the approach should be best applied to problems in which convergence is especially difficult.

Macfarlane, J. J.↗