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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 415 records · Page 23

Interdisciplinary design analysis of a precision spacecraft antenna

The Advanced Communications Technology Satellite (ACTS) will operate in the 20/30 GHz range (Ka Band), and will include a multi-beam antenna (MBA) capable of 0.3 degree scanning spot beams with very high beam-to-beam isolation. The antenna Radio Frequency (RF) performance requirements lead to stringent requirements on the antenna reflector surface shape. A prediction of RF performance of a potential flight model antenna reflector operating under space environmental conditions is made using a radiant heat input model (TRASYS), a thermal analyzer (SINDA), a structural model (NASTRAN), and RF far field pattern simulation. Interfacing software has been written to pass thermal model temperature results to the structural model, and structural model thermal deformation results to the RF far field pattern simulation. A complete analysis can be performed in a single computer run, and potential changes in design can be quickly and easily evaluated using this interdisciplinary design analysis tool.

Steinbach, R. E.↗

Modeling global structural damping in trusses using simple continuum models

Truss beams with members having viscous damping are modeled as continuum Timoshenko beams. Procedures for deriving the equivalent beam stiffnesses and damping are presented. The global damping for the continuum beam is explicitly expressed in terms of the damping coefficients of the individual truss members. The continuum beam model is used to study transient vibration problems and the solutions are compared well with the full scale finite element solutions. The gradient method is used for parameter estimations in conjunction with the Timoshenko beam model. It is shown that the Timoshenko beam model can be easily updated with measured data and the updated model can yield very accurate transient solutions.

Sun, C. T.↗

Structured building model reduction toward parallel simulation

Building energy model reduction exchanges accuracy for improved simulation speed by reducing the number of dynamical equations. Parallel computing aims to improve simulation times without loss of accuracy but is poorly utilized by contemporary simulators and is inherently limited by inter-processor communication. This paper bridges these disparate techniques to implement efficient parallel building thermal simulation. We begin with a survey of three structured reduction approaches that compares their performance to a leading unstructured method. We then use structured model reduction to find thermal clusters in the building energy model and allocate processing resources. Experimental results demonstrate faster simulation and low error without any interprocessor communication.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Robustness tests utilizing the structure of modelling error

The present investigation is essentially concerned with the extension of results presented by Lehtomaki et al. (1981) on the robustness of multivariable linear time invariant feedback control systems. The work reported by Lehtomaki et al. is based on a multivariable version of Nyquist's theorem from which several robustness theorems were derived. In connection with the current investigation a slightly more general approach based on Nyquist's theorem is given in a fundamental robustness theorem from which various robustness tests may be obtained. A fundamental characterization of robustness is considered, and important tools from matrix theory are introduced. Attention is given to robustness tests and unstructured model error, and a robustness analysis for linear systems with structured model error.

Lehtomaki, N. A.↗

Microscopic model for intersubband gain from electrically pumped quantum-dot structures

We study theoretically the performance of electrically pumped self-organized quantum dots as a gain material in the mid-infrared range at room temperature. We analyze an AlGaAs/InGaAs based structure composed of dots-in-a-well sandwiched between two quantum wells. We numerically analyze a comprehensive model by combining a many-particle approach for electronic dynamics with a realistic modeling of the electronic states in the whole structure. We investigate the gain both for quasi-equilibrium conditions and current injection. We find, comparing different structures, that steady-state gain can only be realized by an efficient extraction process, which prevents an accumulation of electrons in continuum states, that make the available scattering pathways through the quantum-dot active region too fast to sustain inversion.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗

Local structure graph models with higher-order dependence

Local structure graph models (LSGMs) describe random graphs and networks as a Markov random field (MRF)—each graph edge has a specified conditional distribution dependent on explicit neighbourhoods of other graph edges. Centered parameterizations of LSGMs allow for direct control and interpretation of parameters for large- and small-scale structures (e.g., marginal means vs. dependence). Here, we extend this parameterization to account for triples of dependent edges and illustrate the importance of centered parameterizations for incorporating covariates and interpreting parameters. Using a MRF framework, common exponential random graph models are also shown to induce conditional distributions without centered parameterizations and thereby have undesirable features. This work attempts to advance graph models through conditional model specifications with modern parameterizations, covariates and higher-order dependencies.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Neurobiological computational models in structural analysis and design

The present paper examines the role of neural computing strategies in structural analysis and design. A principal focus of the work resides in the use of neural networks to represent the force-displacement relationship in static structural analysis. Such models provide computationally efficient capabilities for reanalysis, and appear to be well suited for application in numerical optimum design. The paper presents an overview of the neural computing approach, with special emphasis on supervised learning techniques adopted in the present work. Special features of such learning strategies which have a direct bearing on numerical accuracy and efficiency, are examined in the context of representative structural optimization problems.

Hajela, P.↗

Neurobiological computational models in structural analysis and design

This paper examines the role of neural computing strategies in structural analysis and design. A principal focus of the work resides in the use of neural networks to represent the force-displacement relationship in static structural analysis. Such models provide computationally efficient capabilities for reanalysis, and appear to be well suited for application in numerical optimum design. The paper presents an overview of the neutral computing approach, with special emphasis on supervised learning techniques adopted in the present work. Special features of such learning strategies which have a direct bearing on numerically accuracy and efficiency, are examined in the context of representative structural optimization problems.

Hajela, P.↗

Aeroelastic forced response analysis of turbomachinery

An introduction is given to the research activity that is underway to enable the prediction of turbomachinery aeroelastic forced response. An effort is being made to assemble a computer program (FREPS) which incorporates the aeroelastic structural models, unsteady aerodynamic models, and forcing function models. The structural and aerodynamic models are currently well developed. The forcing function models are at a primitive level. A significant activity has begun to identify the forcing functions due to stator-rotor aerodynamic interaction.

Smith, Todd E.↗

Calibration of a Structural Finite Element Model for a Representative Inflatable Space Structure Utilizing Probabilistic Methods and Surrogate Models

A structural finite element model representing a novel inflatable airlock concept has been calibrated using full‐scale test data. The concept, denoted as the Non‐Axisymmetric Inflatable Pressure Structure (NAIPS), was developed under NASA’s Minimalistic Advanced Softgoods Hatch (MASH) Program. The current studies extended previous numerical efforts by incorporating the midbody section of the NAIPS to the dome section and calibrating the model with test data using a process that included surrogate models. Brief overviews of the finite element model and calibration process are provided. The completion of the calibration process provided a model that adequately replicated the test data. The successful demonstration of calibration of a finite element model representing an inflatable habitat provides confidence in the ability to use numerical simulations and associated surrogate models to support design and certification of inflatable space habitats.

Lyle, Karen H.↗

Dynamic modeling, property investigation, and adaptive controller design of serial robotic manipulators modeled with structural compliance

Research results on general serial robotic manipulators modeled with structural compliances are presented. Two compliant manipulator modeling approaches, distributed and lumped parameter models, are used in this study. System dynamic equations for both compliant models are derived by using the first and second order influence coefficients. Also, the properties of compliant manipulator system dynamics are investigated. One of the properties, which is defined as inaccessibility of vibratory modes, is shown to display a distinct character associated with compliant manipulators. This property indicates the impact of robot geometry on the control of structural oscillations. Example studies are provided to illustrate the physical interpretation of inaccessibility of vibratory modes. Two types of controllers are designed for compliant manipulators modeled by either lumped or distributed parameter techniques. In order to maintain the generality of the results, neither linearization is introduced. Example simulations are given to demonstrate the controller performance. The second type controller is also built for general serial robot arms and is adaptive in nature which can estimate uncertain payload parameters on-line and simultaneously maintain trajectory tracking properties. The relation between manipulator motion tracking capability and convergence of parameter estimation properties is discussed through example case studies. The effect of control input update delays on adaptive controller performance is also studied.

Tesar, Delbert↗

Preliminary shuttle structural dynamics modeling design study

The design and development of a structural dynamics model of the space shuttle are discussed. The model provides for early study of structural dynamics problems, permits evaluation of the accuracy of the structural and hydroelastic analysis methods used on test vehicles, and provides for efficiently evaluating potential cost savings in structural dynamic testing techniques. The discussion is developed around the modes in which major input forces and responses occur and the significant structural details in these modes.

Source record↗

Analytic Sensitivities for Shape Optimization in Equivalent Plate Structural Wing Models

Equivalent plate modeling techniques based on Ritz analysis with simple polynomials prove to be efficient tools for structural modeling of wings in the preliminary design stage. Accuracy problems are encountered, however, when these models are used to obtain finite difference behavior sensitivities with respect to planform shape. The accuracy problems are associated with the poor numerical conditioning of static and eigenvalue equations. As higher-order polynomials are being used to Improve the analysis itself, the more sensitive is the finite difference derivative to the step size used. This article describes a formulation of wing equivalent plate modeling in which it is simple to obtain analytic, explicit expressions for stiffness and mass matrix elements without the need to perform numerical integration. This formulation leads naturally to analytic expressions for the derivatives of displacements, stresses, and natural frequencies with respect to shape design variables. This article examines the accuracy of finite difference derivatives compared with the analytic derivatives, and shows that In some cases it is impossible to obtain any information of value by finite differences. Analytic sensitivities, in this case, are still sufficiently accurate for design optimization.

Livne, Eli↗

OC6 Phase II: Integration and verification of a new soil–structure interaction model for offshore wind design

Abstract This paper provides a summary of the work done within the OC6 Phase II project, which was focused on the implementation and verification of an advanced soil–structure interaction model for offshore wind system design and analysis. The soil–structure interaction model comes from the REDWIN project and uses an elastoplastic, macroelement model with kinematic hardening, which captures the stiffness and damping characteristics of offshore wind foundations more accurately than more traditional and simplified soil–structure interaction modeling approaches. Participants in the OC6 project integrated this macroelement capability to coupled aero‐hydro‐servo‐elastic offshore wind turbine modeling tools and verified the implementation by comparing simulation results across the modeling tools for an example monopile design. The simulation results were also compared to more traditional soil–structure interaction modeling approaches like apparent fixity, coupled springs, and distributed springs models. The macroelement approach resulted in smaller overall loading in the system due to both shifts in the system frequencies and increased energy dissipation. No validation work was performed, but the macroelement approach has shown increased accuracy within the REDWIN project, resulting in decreased uncertainty in the design. For the monopile design investigated here, that implies a less conservative and thus more cost‐effective offshore wind design.

17 WIND ENERGY↗