Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “algebraic methods”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 325 records · Page 18

A Monte Carlo investigation of experimental data requirements for fitting polynomial functions

This report examines the extent to which sample size affects the accuracy of a low order polynomial approximation of an experimentally observed quantity and establishes a trend toward improvement in the accuracy of the approximation as a function of sample size. The task is made possible through a simulated analysis carried out by the Monte Carlo method, in which data are generated by using several transcendental or algebraic functions as models. Contaminated data of varying amounts are fitted to linear quadratic or cubic polynomials, and the behavior of the mean-squared error of the residual variance is determined as a function of sample size. Results indicate that the effect of the size of the sample is significant only for relatively small sample sizes and diminishes drastically for moderate and large amounts of experimental data.

Canavos, G. C.↗

An empirical analysis of the quantitative effect of data when fitting quadratic and cubic polynomials

A study is made of the extent to which the size of the sample affects the accuracy of a quadratic or a cubic polynomial approximation of an experimentally observed quantity, and the trend with regard to improvement in the accuracy of the approximation as a function of sample size is established. The task is made possible through a simulated analysis carried out by the Monte Carlo method in which data are simulated by using several transcendental or algebraic functions as models. Contaminated data of varying amounts are fitted to either quadratic or cubic polynomials, and the behavior of the mean-squared error of the residual variance is determined as a function of sample size. Results indicate that the effect of the size of the sample is significant only for relatively small sizes and diminishes drastically for moderate and large amounts of experimental data.

Canavos, G. C.↗

A comprehensive comparison between experiment and prediction for a transonic turbulent separated flow

Attempts to predict surface pressure distributions on lifting surfaces have been relatively unsuccessful in the transonic regime when the shock wave is of sufficient strength to produce an extensive region of turbulent separated flow. For these conditions, the viscous flow behavior must be accurately described even to obtain reasonable predictions of surface pressure. The present paper addresses this problem. Detailed comparisons between prediction and experiment are made for a transonic, turbulent boundary-layer separation (freestream Mach number = 0.875) for which the turbulent flow properties (including the turbulent Reynolds stress) had been measured by the laser velocimeter technique from upstream of the separated region through reattachment. The flow was generated on an axisymmetric 'bump' model designed to simulate the flow on an airfoil at transonic conditions. The numerical methods used in the comparisons include the solution of the time-dependent, mass-averaged Navier-Stokes equations, and the solution of the compressible boundary-layer equations by the inverse method. Solutions were obtained for the well established Cebeci-Smith algebraic turbulence model and the more recently developed Wilcox-Rubesin two-equation turbulence model.

Johnson, D. A.↗

Analysis of cracks emanating from a circular hole in unidirectional fiber reinforced composites, part 2

An analytical method is developed for cracks emanating from a circular hole in an off-axis unidirectional fiber-reinforced composite. The method which is formulated by using conservation laws of elasticity and fundamental relationships in anisotropic fracture mechanics, provides a convenient and accurate means to examine the complicated crack behavior, when used in conjunction with a suitable numerical scheme such as the finite element method. The formulation is eventually reduced to a system of linear algebraic equations of mixed-mode stress intensity factors. Fracture parameters, describing crack-tip deformation and fracture in the composite, are obtained explicitly. Effects of material anisotropy and crack/hole geometry are examined also. Of particular interest are the energy release rates associated with crack extension; their values are evaluated for various cases. Results show that mixed-mode stress intensity factors and energy release rates associated with the cracks emanating from a hole change very appreciably with fiber orientation in the composite. K sub 1 and G increase monotonically with increasing theta; but K sub 2 reaches its maximum at theta = 45 deg, and then decreases gradually as theta increases further.

Wang, S. S.↗

Computation of three-dimensional inviscid flow over hypersonic missile configurations using the GIM code

A three-dimensional computational technique was used to obtain flowfield solutions to the Euler equations over selected hypersonic missile configurations. The General Interpolants Method (GIM) computer code was used with interpolation functions in an algebraic approach to generate a discrete computational grid for each configuration. The spatial marching version of the GIM code, which treats the parabolized Navier-Stokes (PNS) equations or the Euler equations with a shock capturing, 'MacCormack-like' scheme, was used to advance the solution hyperbolically over each configuration. The inviscid flowfield solutions over the two three-dimensional missile configurations, calculated using the GIM hyperbolic scheme, are presented here. The flow field over a wing/body configuration at zero degree angle of attack is presented. Flow over the fuselage of a tactical missile, termed the TAME 10, at both zero degree and 7.5 degree angles of attack is presented. In addition, an inviscid, two-dimensional analysis of an inlet configuration designed to mount on the TAME 10 is included. Contour maps of velocity and pressure are included for each configuration. Comparison of calculation and data show good agreement.

Xiques, K. E.↗

Numerical simulations of high-speed flows about waveriders with sharp leading edges

A procedure is developed for the numerical simulation of stagnation-free inviscid supersonic and hypersonic flows about waveriders with sharp leading edges. The numerical approach involves the development of a specialized grid generator (named HYGRID), an algebraic solution-adaptive grid scheme, and a modified flow solving method. A comparison of the results obtained for several waverider geometries with exact solutions, other numerical solutions, and experimental results demonstrated the ability of the new procedure to produce stagnation-free Euler solutions about sharp-edged configurations and to describe the physics of the flow in these regions.

Jones, Kevin D.↗

An accurate method for evaluating the kernel of the integral equation relating lift to downwash in unsteady potential flow

The method is capable of generating approximations of arbitrary accuracy. It is based on approximating the algebraic part of the nonelementary integrals in the kernel by exponential functions and then integrating termwise. The exponent spacing in the approximation is a geometric sequence. The coefficients and exponent multiplier of the exponential approximation are computed by least squares so the method is completely automated. Exponential approximates generated in this manner are two orders of magnitude more accurate than the exponential approximation that is currently most often used for this purpose. The method can be used to generate approximations to attain any desired trade-off between accuracy and computing cost.

Desmarais, R. N.↗

An accurate and efficient method for evaluating the kernel of the integral equation relating pressure to normalwash in unsteady potential flow

This paper describes an accurate economical method for generating approximations to the kernel of the integral equation relating unsteady pressure to normalwash in nonplanar flow. The method is capable of generating approximations of arbitrary accuracy. It is based on approximating the algebraic part of the non elementary integrals in the kernel by exponential approximations and then integrating termwise. The exponent spacing in the approximation is a geometric sequence. The coefficients and exponent multiplier of the exponential approximation are computed by least squares so the method is completely automated. Exponential approximates generated in this manner are two orders of magnitude more accurate than the exponential approximation that is currently most often used for this purpose. Coefficients for 8, 12, 24, and 72 term approximations are tabulated in the report. Also, since the method is automated, it can be used to generate approximations to attain any desired trade-off between accuracy and computing cost.

Desmarais, R. N.↗

Generalized Flip-Flop Input Equations Based on a Four-Valued Boolean Algebra

A procedure is developed for obtaining generalized flip-flop input equations, and a concise method is presented for representing these equations. The procedure is based on solving a four-valued characteristic equation of the flip-flop, and can encompass flip-flops that are too complex to approach intuitively. The technique is presented using Karnaugh maps, but could easily be implemented in software.

Tucker, Jerry H.↗

Aircraft model prototypes which have specified handling-quality time histories

Several techniques for obtaining linear constant-coefficient airplane models from specified handling-quality time histories are discussed. The pseudodata method solves the basic problem, yields specified eigenvalues, and accommodates state-variable transfer-function zero suppression. The algebraic equations to be solved are bilinear, at worst. The disadvantages are reduced generality and no assurance that the resulting model will be airplane like in detail. The method is fully illustrated for a fourth-order stability-axis small motion model with three lateral handling quality time histories specified. The FORTRAN program which obtains and verifies the model is included and fully documented.

Johnson, S. H.↗

An interpretation and solution of ill-conditioned linear equations

Data insufficiency, poorly conditioned matrices and singularities in equations occur regularly in complex optimization, correlation, and interdisciplinary model studies. This work concerns itself with two methods of obtaining certain physically realistic solutions to ill-conditioned or singular algebraic systems of linear equations arising from such studies. Two efficient computational solution procedures that generally lead to locally unique solutions are presented when there is insufficient data to completely define the model, or a least-squares error formulation of this system results in an ill-conditioned system of equations. If it is assumed that a reasonable estimate of the uncertain data is available in both cases cited above, then we shall show how to obtain realistic solutions efficiently, in spite of the insufficiency of independent data. The proposed methods of solution are more efficient than singular-value decomposition for dealing with such systems, since they do not require solutions for all the non-zero eigenvalues of the coefficient matrix.

Ojalvo, I. U.↗

Absolute stability analysis of attitude control systems for large boosters.

A method for performing absolute stability analyses of attitude control systems for large launch vehicles is presented. Absolute stability of these systems is shown in a finite region of the state space. The regions are computed by using the Lur'e-Postnikov Liapunov function. This function is chosen to provide additional information about the exponential property of absolute stability. Significant advantages of the method proposed in this paper are: it is independent of the order of the system; algebraic operations involved in the computations are relatively simple and convenient for machine implementation; and the obtained results are valid not only for a particular nonlinearity but also for an entire class of nonlinear characteristics that satisfy certain general conditions. A system model representing the Saturn V launch vehicle is used to illustrate the method.

Seltzer, S. M.↗

Aeroelastic Analysis of Aircraft: Wing and Wing/Fuselage Configurations

A previously developed interface method for coupling aerodynamics and structures is used to evaluate the aeroelastic effects for an advanced transport wing at cruise and under-cruise conditions. The calculated results are compared with wind tunnel test data. The capability of the interface method is also investigated for an MD-90 wing/fuselage configuration. In addition, an aircraft trim analysis is described and applied to wing configurations. The accuracy of turbulence models based on the algebraic eddy viscosity formulation of Cebeci and Smith is studied for airfoil flows at low Mach numbers by using methods based on the solutions of the boundary-layer and Navier-Stokes equations.

Chen, H. H.↗

The theory of Enceladus and Dione - An application of computerized algebra in dynamical astronomy

The orbits of the satellites of the outer planets are poorly known, due to lack of attention over the past half century. We have been developing a new theory of Saturn's satellites Enceladus and Dione which is literal (all constants of integration appear explicitly), canonically invariant (the Hori-Lie method is used), and which correctly handles the eccentricity-type resonance between the two satellites. The algebraic manipulations are being performed using the TRIGMAN formula manipulation language, and the programs have been developed so that with minor modifications they can be used on the Mimas-Tethys and Titan-Hyperion systems.

Jefferys, W. H.↗

A spectral boundary integral equation method for the 2-D Helmholtz equation

In this paper, we present a new numerical formulation of solving the boundary integral equations reformulated from the Helmholtz equation. The boundaries of the problems are assumed to be smooth closed contours. The solution on the boundary is treated as a periodic function, which is in turn approximated by a truncated Fourier series. A Fourier collocation method is followed in which the boundary integral equation is transformed into a system of algebraic equations. It is shown that in order to achieve spectral accuracy for the numerical formulation, the nonsmoothness of the integral kernels, associated with the Helmholtz equation, must be carefully removed. The emphasis of the paper is on investigating the essential elements of removing the nonsmoothness of the integral kernels in the spectral implementation. The present method is robust for a general boundary contour. Aspects of efficient implementation of the method using FFT are also discussed. A numerical example of wave scattering is given in which the exponential accuracy of the present numerical method is demonstrated.

Hu, Fang Q.↗

LES, DNS and RANS for the analysis of high-speed turbulent reacting flows

The purpose of this research is to continue our efforts in advancing the state of knowledge in large eddy simulation (LES), direct numerical simulation (DNS), and Reynolds averaged Navier Stokes (RANS) methods for the computational analysis of high-speed reacting turbulent flows. In the second phase of this work, covering the period 1 Aug. 1994 - 31 Jul. 1995, we have focused our efforts on two programs: (1) developments of explicit algebraic moment closures for statistical descriptions of compressible reacting flows and (2) development of Monte Carlo numerical methods for LES of chemically reacting flows.

Adumitroaie, V.↗

Sulfur Molecules in Space by X-rays: A Computational Study

X-ray astronomy lacks high resolution spectra of interstellar dust analogues and molecules, severely hampering interstellar medium studies based on upcoming X-ray missions. Various theoretical approaches may be used to address this problem, but they must first be shown to reproduce reliable spectra compared to the experiment. In this work, we calculate the sulfur Kedge X-ray absorption spectra of H2S, SO2, and OCS, whose spectra are already known from X-ray experiments and predict the X-ray spectrum of CS, which as far as we are aware has not been measured, thereby hampering its detection by X-ray telescopes. We chose these four molecules as the astrochemistry of sulfur is an unsolved problem and as the four molecules are already known to exist in space. We consider three types of methods for modeling the X-ray spectra: more accurate calculations with the algebraic-diagrammatic construction (ADC) and the CC2, CCSD, and CC3coupled cluster (CC) approaches as well as more affordable ones with transition potential density functional theory (TP-DFT). A comparison of our computational results to previously reported experimental spectra shows that the core−valence separation (CVS)approaches CVS-ADC(2)-x and CVS-CC3 generally yield a good qualitative level of agreement with the experiment, suggesting that they can be used for interpreting measured spectra, while the TP-DFT method is not reliable for these molecules. However, quantitative agreement with the experiment is still outside the reach of the computational methods studied in this work.

Goranka Bilalbegovic↗