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At least 343 records · Page 19

Probabilistic structural analysis methods of hot engine structures

Development of probabilistic structural analysis methods for hot engine structures at Lewis Research Center is presented. Three elements of the research program are: (1) composite load spectra methodology; (2) probabilistic structural analysis methodology; and (3) probabilistic structural analysis application. Recent progress includes: (1) quantification of the effects of uncertainties for several variables on high pressure fuel turbopump (HPFT) turbine blade temperature, pressure, and torque of the space shuttle main engine (SSME); (2) the evaluation of the cumulative distribution function for various structural response variables based on assumed uncertainties in primitive structural variables; and (3) evaluation of the failure probability. Collectively, the results demonstrate that the structural durability of hot engine structural components can be effectively evaluated in a formal probabilistic/reliability framework.

Chamis, C. C.↗

Probabilistic structural analysis methods development for SSME

The development of probabilistic structural analysis methods is a major part of the SSME Structural Durability Program and consists of three program elements: composite load spectra, probabilistic finite element structural analysis, and probabilistic structural analysis applications. Recent progress includes: (1) the effects of the uncertainties of several factors on the HPFP blade temperature pressure and torque, (2) the evaluation of the cumulative distribution function of structural response variables based on assumed uncertainties on primitive structural variables, and (3) evaluation of the failure probability. Collectively, the results obtained demonstrate that the structural durability of critical SSME components can be probabilistically evaluated.

Chamis, C. C.↗

Probabilistic simulation of uncertainties in thermal structures

Development of probabilistic structural analysis methods for hot structures is a major activity at Lewis Research Center. It consists of five program elements: (1) probabilistic loads; (2) probabilistic finite element analysis; (3) probabilistic material behavior; (4) assessment of reliability and risk; and (5) probabilistic structural performance evaluation. Recent progress includes: (1) quantification of the effects of uncertainties for several variables on high pressure fuel turbopump (HPFT) blade temperature, pressure, and torque of the Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME); (2) the evaluation of the cumulative distribution function for various structural response variables based on assumed uncertainties in primitive structural variables; (3) evaluation of the failure probability; (4) reliability and risk-cost assessment, and (5) an outline of an emerging approach for eventual hot structures certification. Collectively, the results demonstrate that the structural durability/reliability of hot structural components can be effectively evaluated in a formal probabilistic framework. In addition, the approach can be readily extended to computationally simulate certification of hot structures for aerospace environments.

Chamis, Christos C.↗

Probabilistic simulation of uncertainties in thermal structures

Development of probabilistic structural analysis methods for hot structures is a major activity at NASA-Lewis, and consists of five program elements: (1) probabilistic loads, (2) probabilistic finite element analysis, (3) probabilistic material behavior, (4) assessment of reliability and risk, and (5) probabilistic structural performance evaluation. Attention is given to quantification of the effects of uncertainties for several variables on High Pressure Fuel Turbopump blade temperature, pressure, and torque of the Space Shuttle Main Engine; the evaluation of the cumulative distribution function for various structural response variables based on assumed uncertainties in primitive structural variables; evaluation of the failure probability; reliability and risk-cost assessment; and an outline of an emerging approach for eventual hot structures certification. Collectively, the results demonstrate that the structural durability/reliability of hot structural components can be effectively evaluated in a formal probabilistic framework. In addition, the approach can be readily extended to computationally simulate certification of hot structures for aerospace environments.

Chamis, C. C.↗

Computational simulation of high temperature metal matrix composite behavior

Computational procedures were developed for simulating the thermal and mechanical behaviors of high-temperature metal-matrix composites (HT-MMCs) in the following application areas: (1) the behavior of HT-MMCs from micromechanics to laminate, (2) the structural response of HT-MMCs' simple and complex structural components, (3) the HT-MMC microfracture, and (4) the tailoring of HT-MMCs' behavior for optimum specific performances. Representative results are presented from each area of application, illustrating the effectiveness of the computational procedures.

Murthy, P. L. N.↗

Finite-difference simulation and visualization of elastodynamics in time-evolving generalized curvilinear coordinates

Modeling and simulation of free and forced structural vibrations is essential to an overall structural health monitoring capability. In the various embodiments, a first principles finite-difference approach is adopted in modeling a structural subsystem such as a mechanical gear by solving elastodynamic equations in generalized curvilinear coordinates. Such a capability to generate a dynamic structural response is widely applicable in a variety of structural health monitoring systems. This capability (1) will lead to an understanding of the dynamic behavior of a structural system and hence its improved design, (2) will generate a sufficiently large space of normal and damage solutions that can be used by machine learning algorithms to detect anomalous system behavior and achieve a system design optimization and (3) will lead to an optimal sensor placement strategy, based on the identification of local stress maxima all over the domain.

Kaul, Upender K.↗

Centralized Alert-Processing and Asset Planning for Sensorwebs

A software program provides a Sensorweb architecture for alert-processing, event detection, asset allocation and planning, and visualization. It automatically tasks and re-tasks various types of assets such as satellites and robotic vehicles in response to alerts (fire, weather) extracted from various data sources, including low-level Webcam data. JPL has adapted cons iderable Sensorweb infrastructure that had been previously applied to NASA Earth Science applications. This NASA Earth Science Sensorweb has been in operational use since 2003, and has proven reliability of the Sensorweb technologies for robust event detection and autonomous response using space and ground assets. Unique features of the software include flexibility to a range of detection and tasking methods including those that require aggregation of data over spatial and temporal ranges, generality of the response structure to represent and implement a range of response campaigns, and the ability to respond rapidly.

Castano, Rebecca↗

Data Comparisons and Summary of the Second Aeroelastic Prediction Workshop

This paper presents the computational results generated by participating teams of the second Aeroelastic Prediction Workshop and compare them with experimental data. Aeroelastic and rigid configurations of the Benchmark Supercritical Wing (BSCW) wind tunnel model served as the focus for the workshop. The comparison data sets include unforced ("steady") system responses, forced pitch oscillations and coupled fluid-structure responses. Integrated coefficients, frequency response functions, and flutter onset conditions are compared. The flow conditions studied were in the transonic range, including both attached and separated flow conditions. Some of the technical discussions that took place at the workshop are summarized.

Heeg, Jennifer↗

Vibro-Acoustic Response of Buildings Due to Sonic Boom Exposure: July 2007 Field Test

During the month of July 2007, a series of structural response measurements were made on a house on Edwards Air Force Base (EAFB) property that was exposed to sonic booms of various amplitudes. The purpose of this report is to document the measurements that were made, the structure on which they were made, the conditions under which they were made, the sensors and other hardware that were used, and the data that were collected. To that end, Chapter 2 documents the house, its location, the physical layout of the house, the surrounding area, and summarizes the transducers placed in and around the house. Chapter 3 details the sensors and other hardware that were placed in the house during the experiment. In addition, day-to-day variations of hardware configurations and transducer calibrations are documented in Chapter 3. Chapter 4 documents the boom generation process, flight conditions, and ambient weather conditions during the test days. Chapter 5 includes information about sub-experiments that were performed to characterize the vibro-acoustic response of the structure, the acoustic environment inside the house, and the acoustic environment outside the house. Chapter 6 documents the data format and presents examples of reduced data that were collected during the test days.

Klos, Jacob↗

Analytical displacements and vibrations of cantilevered unsymmetric fiber composite laminates

A fiber composite flat cantilever plate that has symmetric and nonsymmetric laminate configurations is theoretically investigated to determine its static and dynamic structural response. The finite element analysis method used includes a unique triangular finite element developed at Lewis for the analysis of fiber composite airfoils. The various responses investigated include tip displacements, natural frequencies, and fundamental mode shapes. The results show that laminate configurations may be selected for a cantilever such that when the tip at the leading edge is loaded normal to the plane of the plate, the tip at the trailing edge can (1) deflect in the opposite direction, (2) deflect about the same, or (3) deflect more than the tip at the leading edge. This variation in response can be utilized to provide built-in structural damping to resist flutter.

Minich, M. D.↗

Experimental studies of active members in control of large space structures

Intelligent structures for precision spacecraft applications are structural systems incorporating sensors, actuators, and built-in electronic logic that facilitate self-monitoring of structure responses to disturbances. Attention is presently given to adaptive structures, in which the electronic logic need not be integral to the structure. Active members are used to replace selected passive members of truss-type structures; the sensors employed allow measurement of the elastic strain and deformation experienced by the structure. Two struss-type testbed structures are described.

Fanson, J. L.↗

Modifying real convolutional codes for protecting digital filtering systems

A novel method is proposed for protecting digital filters from temporary and permanent failures that are not easily detected by conventional fault-tolerant computer design principles, on the basis of the error-detecting properties of real convolutional codes. Erroneous behavior is detected by externally comparing the calculated and regenerated parity samples. Great simplifications are obtainable by modifying the code structure to yield simplified parity channels with finite impulse response structures. A matrix equation involving the original parity values of the code and the polynomial of the digital filter's transfer function is formed, and row manipulations separate this equation into a set of homogeneous equations constraining the modifying scaling coefficients and another set which defines the code parity values' implementation.

Redinbo, G. R.↗

High frequency flow-structural interaction in dense subsonic fluids

Prediction of the detailed dynamic behavior in rocket propellant feed systems and engines and other such high-energy fluid systems requires precise analysis to assure structural performance. Designs sometimes require placement of bluff bodies in a flow passage. Additionally, there are flexibilities in ducts, liners, and piping systems. A design handbook and interactive data base have been developed for assessing flow/structural interactions to be used as a tool in design and development, to evaluate applicable geometries before problems develop, or to eliminate or minimize problems with existing hardware. This is a compilation of analytical/empirical data and techniques to evaluate detailed dynamic characteristics of both the fluid and structures. These techniques have direct applicability to rocket engine internal flow passages, hot gas drive systems, and vehicle propellant feed systems. Organization of the handbook is by basic geometries for estimating Strouhal numbers, added mass effects, mode shapes for various end constraints, critical onset flow conditions, and possible structural response amplitudes. Emphasis is on dense fluids and high structural loading potential for fatigue at low subsonic flow speeds where high-frequency excitations are possible. Avoidance and corrective measure illustrations are presented together with analytical curve fits for predictions compiled from a comprehensive data base.

Liu, Baw-Lin↗

Sharp Refractory Composite Leading Edges on Hypersonic Vehicles

On-going research of advanced sharp refractory composite leading edges for use on hypersonic air-breathing vehicles is presented in this paper. Intense magnitudes of heating and of heating gradients on the leading edge lead to thermal stresses that challenge the survivability of current material systems. A fundamental understanding of the problem is needed to further design development. Methodology for furthering the technology along with the use of advanced fiber architectures to improve the thermal-structural response is explored in the current work. Thermal and structural finite element analyses are conducted for several advanced fiber architectures of interest. A tailored thermal shock parameter for sharp orthotropic leading edges is identified for evaluating composite material systems. The use of the tailored thermal shock parameter has the potential to eliminate the need for detailed thermal-structural finite element analyses for initial screening of material systems being considered for a leading edge component.

Walker, Sandra P.↗

NASTRAN postprocessor program for transient response to input accelerations

The description of a transient analysis program for computing structural responses to input base accelerations is presented. A hybrid modal formulation is used and a procedure is demonstrated for generating and writing all modal input data on user tapes via NASTRAN. Use of several new Level 15 modules is illustrated along with a problem associated with reading the postprocessor program input from a user tape. An example application of the program is presented for the analysis of a spacecraft subjected to accelerations initiated by thrust transients. Experience with the program has indicated it to be very efficient and economical because of its simplicity and small central memory storage requirements.

Wingate, R. T.↗

A Thermostructural Analysis of a Diboride Composite Leading Edge

In an effort to support the design of zirconium diboride composite leading edges for hypersonic vehicles, a finite element model (FEM) of a prototype leading edge was created and finite element analysis (FEA) was employed to assess its thermal and structural response to aerothermal boundary conditions. Unidirectional material properties for the structural components of the leading edge, a continuous fiber reinforced diboride composite, were computed with COSTAR. These properties agree well with those experimentally measured. To verify the analytical approach taken with COSMOS/M, an independent FEA of one of the leading edge assembly components was also done with COSTAR. Good agreement was obtained between the two codes. Both showed that a unidirectional lay-up had the best margin of safety for a simple loading case. Both located the maximum stress in the same region and ply. The magnitudes agreed within 4 percent. Trajectory based aerothermal heating was then applied to the leading edge assembly FEM created with COSMOS/M to determine steady state temperature response, displacement, stresses, and contact forces due to thermal expansion and thermal strains. Results show that the leading edge stagnation line temperature reached 4700 F. The maximum computed failure index for the laminated composite components peaks at 4.2, and is located at the bolt flange in layer 2 of the side bracket. The temperature gradient in the tip causes a compressive stress of 279 ksi along its width and substantial tensile stresses within its depth.

Kowalski, Tom↗

A recurrence matrix solution for the dynamic response of aircraft in gusts

A systematic procedure developed for the calculation of the structural response of aircraft flying through a gust by use of difference equations in the solution of dynamic problems is first illustrated by means of a simple-damped-oscillator example. A detailed analysis is then given which leads to a recurrence matrix equation for the determination of the response of an airplane in a gust. The method takes into account wing bending and twisting deformations, fuselage deflection, vertical and pitching motion of the airplane, and some tail forces. The method is based on aerodynamic strip theory, but compressibility and three-dimensional aerodynamic effects can be taken into account approximately by means of over-all corrections. Either a sharp-edge gust or a gust of arbitrary shape in the spanwise or flight directions may be treated. In order to aid in the application of the method to any specific case, a suggested computational procedure is included. The possibilities of applying the method to a variety of transient aircraft problems, such as landing, are brought out. A brief review of matrix algebra, covering the extent to which it is used in the analysis, is also included. (author)

Houbolt, John C↗

Progression of damage and fracture in composites under dynamic loading

A new computational simulation method is presented to evaluate the dynamic aspects of composite structural response and durability that have not been simulated previously. Composite structural behavior under any loading condition, geometry, composite system, laminate configuration, and boundary conditions can now be simulated. Structural degradation, delamination, fracture, and damage propagation are included in the simulation. An angle-plied composite plate structure under normal impact loading is used as an example to demonstrate the versatility of the simulation method.

Minnetyan, Levon↗