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At least 415 records · Page 23

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NASA NTRS1998

Single-Transducer, Ultrasonic Imaging Method for High-Temperature Structural Materials Eliminates the Effect of Thickness Variation in the Image

NASA Lewis Research Center's Life Prediction Branch, in partnership with Sonix, Inc., and Cleveland State University, recently advanced the development of, refined, and commercialized an advanced nondestructive evaluation (NDE) inspection method entitled the Single Transducer Thickness-Independent Ultrasonic Imaging Method. Selected by R&D Magazine as one of the 100 most technologically significant new products of 1996, the method uses a single transducer to eliminate the superimposing effects of thickness variation in the ultrasonic images of materials. As a result, any variation seen in the image is due solely to microstructural variation. This nondestructive method precisely and accurately characterizes material gradients (pore fraction, density, or chemical) that affect the uniformity of a material's physical performance (mechanical, thermal, or electrical). Advantages of the method over conventional ultrasonic imaging include (1) elimination of machining costs (for precision thickness control) during the quality control stages of material processing and development and (2) elimination of labor costs and subjectivity involved in further image processing and image interpretation. At NASA Lewis, the method has been used primarily for accurate inspections of high temperature structural materials including monolithic ceramics, metal matrix composites, and polymer matrix composites. Data were published this year for platelike samples, and current research is focusing on applying the method to tubular components. The initial publicity regarding the development of the method generated 150 requests for further information from a wide variety of institutions and individuals including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Lockheed Martin Corporation, Rockwell International, Hewlett Packard Company, and Procter & Gamble Company. In addition, NASA has been solicited by the 3M Company and Allison Abrasives to use this method to inspect composite materials that are manufactured by these companies.

Roth, Don J.↗

NASA NTRS2004

Fractal Variation with Changing Line Length: A Potential Problem for Planetary Lava Flow Identification

Fractals are objects that are generally self similar at all scales. Coastlines, mountains, river systems, planetary orbits and some mathematical objects are all examples of fractals. Bruno et al. used the structured walk model of Richardson to establish that lava flows are fractals and that lava flow morphology could be determined by looking at the fractal dimension of flow margins. They determined that Hawaiian a.a flows have fractal dimensions that range from 1.05 to 1.09 and that the pahoehoe lava flows have a fractal dimension from 1.13 to 1.23. We have analyzed a number of natural and simulated lava flow margins and find that the fractal dimension varies according to the number and length of rod lengths used in the structured walk method. The potential variation we find in our analyses is sufficiently large so that unambiguous determination of lava flow morphology is problematic for some flows. We suggest that the structured walk method can provide meaningful fractal dimensions if rod lengths employed in the analysis provide a best-fit residual of greater than 0.98, as opposed to the 0.95 cutoff used in previous studies. We also find that the use of more than 4 rod lengths per analysis also reduces ambiguity in the results.

Hudson, Richard K.↗

NASA NTRS1986

Advances in numerical and applied mathematics

This collection of papers covers some recent developments in numerical analysis and computational fluid dynamics. Some of these studies are of a fundamental nature. They address basic issues such as intermediate boundary conditions for approximate factorization schemes, existence and uniqueness of steady states for time dependent problems, and pitfalls of implicit time stepping. The other studies deal with modern numerical methods such as total variation diminishing schemes, higher order variants of vortex and particle methods, spectral multidomain techniques, and front tracking techniques. There is also a paper on adaptive grids. The fluid dynamics papers treat the classical problems of imcompressible flows in helically coiled pipes, vortex breakdown, and transonic flows.

South, J. C., Jr.↗

NASA NTRS2003

Further Developments in the MLPG Method for Beam Problems

An accurate and yet simple Meshless Local Petrov-Galerkin (MLPG) formulation for analyzing beam problems is presented. In the formulation, simple weight functions are chosen as test functions as in the conventional MLPG method. Linear test functions are also chosen, leading to a variation of the MLPG method that is computationally efficient compared to the conventional implementation. The MLPG method is evaluated by applying the formulation to a variety of patch tests, thin beam problems, and problems with load discontinuities. The formulation successfully reproduces exact solutions to machine accuracy when higher order power and spline functions are chosen as test functions or when the linear test function is used, and when constructing the trial functions, the order of the basis function is properly balanced by the order of the weight function. For mixed boundary value problems, deflections, slopes, moments, and shear forces are calculated to the same accuracy by the MLPG method without the use of elaborate post-processing techniques. Problems with load discontinuities require special care - when a reasonable number of nodes are used, the method yields very accurate results.

Raju, I. S.↗

NASA NTRS1971

Techniques of orbital decay and long-term ephemeris prediction for satellites in earth orbit

In the special perturbation method, Cowell and variation-of-parameters formulations of the motion equations are implemented and numerically integrated. Variations in the orbital elements due to drag are computed using the 1970 Jacchia atmospheric density model, which includes the effects of semiannual variations, diurnal bulge, solar activity, and geomagnetic activity. In the general perturbation method, two-variable asymptotic series and automated manipulation capabilities are used to obtain analytical solutions to the variation-of-parameters equations. Solutions are obtained considering the effect of oblateness only and the combined effects of oblateness and drag. These solutions are then numerically evaluated by means of a FORTRAN program in which an updating scheme is used to maintain accurate epoch values of the elements. The atmospheric density function is approximated by a Fourier series in true anomaly, and the 1970 Jacchia model is used to periodically update the Fourier coefficients. The accuracy of both methods is demonstrated by comparing computed orbital elements to actual elements over time spans of up to 8 days for the special perturbation method and up to 356 days for the general perturbation method.

Barry, B. F.↗

NASA NTRS1988

Application of satellite data in variational analysis for global cyclonic systems

The goal of the research is a variational data assimilation method that incorporates as dynamical constraints, the primitive equations for a moist, convectively unstable atmosphere and the radiative transfer equation. Variables to be adjusted include the three-dimensional vector wind, height, temperature, and moisture from rawinsonde data, and cloud-wind vectors, moisture, and radiance from satellite data. In order to facilitate thorough analysis of each of the model components, four variational models that divide the problem naturally according to increasing complexity were defined. The research performed during the second year fall into four areas: sensitivity studies involving Model 1; evaluation of Model 2; reformation of Model 1 for greater compatibility with Model 2; development of Model 3 (radiative transfer equation); and making the model more responsive to the observations.

Achtemeier, G. L.↗

NASA NTRS2018

Design and Characteristics of Hydroxyapatites: Effect of Radiation

We have prepared silicate based hard materials and have processed it with organic flux. Because of the bioactivities of hydroxyapatites with tissues, this class of materials have attracted interest for bone applications. We have utilized low temperature processing techniques. Organic melt was used and the directional solidification method to cast the shaped sample. This organic treated material has different characteristics than coarsened oxide materials. Our approach involved low temperature processing using nano and micron sized powders of the material system Na2O-K2O-CaO- MgO-Ga2O3-SiO2, and titanates were processed by sintering and grain growth. Our results indicate that substitution of gallium and magnesium or titanium with some variation in processing methods have great potential to improve the glassy characteristics without decreasing the mechanical properties of bones. Effect of radiation on bone was studied by exposing with commercially available Cs137 gamma ray source. It was observed that electrical resistivity increased due to radiation exposure for this system.

Bhavsar, Jayati↗

NASA NTRS2024

Crowd-Sourced Technology Challenge for Improving Visual Color Detection of Hydrazine and Monomethylhydrazine Vapors in Spacecraft Environments

NASA currently uses a visual colorimetric detection method for potential hydrazine, monomethylhydrazine (MMH), or unsymmetrical dimethylhydrazine (UDMH) contamination in the International Space Station. Astronauts exposed to propellants or their residues during extravehicular activities may transfer contaminants into the airlock. The colorimetric detection method employs the Contamination Detection Kit (CDK), which uses a potassium tetrachloroaurate redox reaction with the propellant hydrazine vapors and a color comparison card to determine airborne concentrations. Seeking ideas for improvement, the NASA Tournament Lab (NTL) crowdsourced a way to tackle the challenge of detecting hydrazine and MMH vapors using colorimetric detection methods. This Rid the Rocket competition drew over 200 participants and 20 submissions from around the world proposing innovative ways to develop a new chemical colorimetric detection method for hydrazine and MMH vapors on spacecraft. Using a phased approach to evaluate contestants, NASA eventually narrowed the field to five finalists from the United States, Romania, Taiwan, and India. Concept papers and hardware submissions were judged on feasibility, creativity, and ability to detect hydrazine and MMH vapors before being sent to the NASA White Sands Test Facility for laboratory evaluation. Finalists employed variations of sampling methods and color-detection chemistry using a variety of sampling pumps and indicator pads or solutions—including those employing potassium or hydrogen tetrachloroaurate, para -dimethylaminobenzaldehyde (PDAB), and modifiers including sodium metasilicate and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide—to enhance gold nanoparticle formation and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) resulting in visual blue to purple color development. This paper presents a summary of the crowdsourced submissions and results of laboratory testing.

Crowd-Sourced↗

NASA NTRS1987

Application of satellite data in variational analysis for global cyclonic systems

The research goal was a variational data assimilation method that incorporates as dynamical constraints, the primitive equations for a moist, convectively unstable atmosphere and the radiative transfer equation. Variables to be adjusted include the three-dimensional vector wind, height, temperature, and moisture from rawinsonde data, and cloud-wind vectors, moisture, and radiance from satellite data. This presents a formidable mathematical problem. In order to facilitate thorough analysis of each of the model components, four variational models that divide the problem naturally according to increasing complexity are defined. Each model is summarized.

Achtemeier, G. L.↗

NASA NTRS1977

Trajectory optimization for the Atlas/Centaur launch vehicle

A method for finding solutions to complex trajectory optimization problems with detailed hardware and launch vehicle constraints is presented. The trajectory optimization problem is formulated as a constrained function minimization problem by modeling the control by a function of a finite number of parameters. Although any parametric control model may be selected, the natural choice of parameters is the actual parameters of the parametric guidance equations flown on the flight digital computer. A variation of the method of multipliers is presented for performing the constrained function minimization. A functional is proposed that allows incorporation of state variable inequality constraints. Finally, optimization of the HEAO-A direct-ascent trajectory is discussed. The HEAO-A mission demonstrates profile optimization to meet range safety, tracking, heating, structural integrity, and attitude rate constraints.

Brusch, R. G.↗

NASA NTRS2003

Non-Linear Structural Dynamics Characterization using a Scanning Laser Vibrometer

This paper presents the use of a scanning laser vibrometer and a signal decomposition method to characterize non-linear dynamics of highly flexible structures. A Polytec PI PSV-200 scanning laser vibrometer is used to measure transverse velocities of points on a structure subjected to a harmonic excitation. Velocity profiles at different times are constructed using the measured velocities, and then each velocity profile is decomposed using the first four linear mode shapes and a least-squares curve-fitting method. From the variations of the obtained modal \ielocities with time we search for possible non-linear phenomena. A cantilevered titanium alloy beam subjected to harmonic base-excitations around the second. third, and fourth natural frequencies are examined in detail. Influences of the fixture mass. gravity. mass centers of mode shapes. and non-linearities are evaluated. Geometrically exact equations governing the planar, harmonic large-amplitude vibrations of beams are solved for operational deflection shapes using the multiple shooting method. Experimental results show the existence of 1:3 and 1:2:3 external and internal resonances. energy transfer from high-frequency modes to the first mode. and amplitude- and phase- modulation among several modes. Moreover, the existence of non-linear normal modes is found to be questionable.

Pai, P. F.↗

NASA NTRS1981

Surface photometry of spiral galaxies. I - Theoretical color variation and surface brightness across spiral arms

A method for the construction of color variations and surface brightness across a galactic spiral arm, using the concepts and results of the density-wave theory, is developed. The color variation measured by the index Q varies with the ratio of the light of young stars to that of the old stars, the initial mass function, and the pattern speed. The fact that the variation of brightness and color across a spiral arm is relatively smooth and symmetrical and not sharp as in the galactic shock picture is due to the smearing-out effects of star formation inside a cloud in the regions behind the galactic shock, and the tendency of new stars to fall back to small galactocentric distances after their formation because of their lower angular velocity at birth. Both effects arise naturally in the context of the density-wave theory.

Yuan, C.↗

NASA NTRS1977

A finite element simulation of sound attenuation in a finite duct with a peripherally variable liner

Using multimodal analysis, a variational finite element method is presented for analyzing sound attenuation in a three-dimensional finite duct with a peripherally variable liner in the absence of flow. A rectangular element, with cubic shaped functions, is employed. Once a small portion of a peripheral liner is removed, the attenuation rate near the frequency where maximum attenuation occurs drops significantly. The positioning of the liner segments affects the attenuation characteristics of the liner. Effects of the duct termination are important in the low frequency ranges. The main effect of peripheral variation of the liner is a broadening of the attenuation characteristics in the midfrequency range. Because of matrix size limitations of the presently available computer program, the eigenvalue equations should be solved out of core in order to handle realistic sources.

Watson, W. R.↗

NASA NTRS1973

Solution of coupled and singular perturbation methods using duality theory.

Dual variational techniques developed by Chan and Leininger (1972) are summarized, and duality theory in the form of the Complementary Variational Principle is employed to provide a suboptimal measure for the singular and epsilon-coupled perturbation methods proposed by Kokotovic and Cruz. The suboptimal measure is independent of any a priori knowledge of the optimal solution, thereby providing an absolute estimate of the performance loss rather than an estimate relative to the unknown optimal solution.

Chan, W. L.↗

NASA NTRS2017

Effects of Eye Measures on Human Controller Remnant and Control Behavior

The aim of the current research was to investigate the possible relation between changes in eye activity parameters, variations in human remnant at the perceptual level and changes in human operator model parameters. Fourteen subjects performed a pitch tracking task, in which the display brightness was varied by changing the background color around a simplified primary flight display, in order to create a controlled, quasilinear change in the pupil diameter through the pupillary light reflex. Pupil diameter, blink, eye opening, and opening and closing amplitudes and speeds were recorded using an eye tracker. Participants controlled single integrator-like and double integrator-like dynamics. The variation in pupil diameter did not introduce significant differences in neither remnant characteristics nor the human operator model parameters. An interesting effect occurred in the human controller’s time delay for the single integrator task, where the time delay was significantly higher for the darkest brightness compared to the other levels of brightness. This effect was not observed for the double integrator dynamics. Data suggested that the more difficult controlled dynamics induced a squinting effect, visible in smaller eye opening, and smaller eye opening and closing amplitudes. These results suggest that performance, and control behavior are invariant to the display brightness. Moreover, monitoring changes in the eye activity could represent a method of predicting variations in human remnant characteristics and human controller model parameters, introduced by task difficulty.

Eye tracking↗

NASA NTRS1991

Mission and system optimization of nuclear electric propulsion vehicles for lunar and Mars missions

The detailed mission and system optimization of low thrust electric propulsion missions is a complex, iterative process involving interaction between orbital mechanics and system performance. Through the use of appropriate approximations, initial system optimization and analysis can be performed for a range of missions. The intent of these calculations is to provide system and mission designers with simple methods to assess system design without requiring access or detailed knowledge of numerical calculus of variations optimizations codes and methods. Approximations for the mission/system optimization of Earth orbital transfer and Mars mission have been derived. Analyses include the variation of thruster efficiency with specific impulse. Optimum specific impulse, payload fraction, and power/payload ratios are calculated. The accuracy of these methods is tested and found to be reasonable for initial scoping studies. Results of optimization for Space Exploration Initiative lunar cargo and Mars missions are presented for a range of power system and thruster options.

Gilland, James H.↗

NASA NTRS1979

Shuttle program. Onorbit navigation integrator results for typical shuttle orbits

Three types of navigation onorbit numerical integrators were evaluated: (1) power integrators with no delta-V incorporation, just coasting (using Taylor series expansion integrators); (2) coasting integrators using the Cowell method of special perturbations; and (3) coasting integrator using the Pines variation of parameter perturbation method. Results show that the super G integrator is a very simple and effective for 2 and 4 second time steps. Since IMU delta-V data can be easily incorporated in the integration scheme, its use as the standard onorbit navigation propagator for the maintenance of the current state was implemented in the onboard navigation software. The Pines formulation method with a Runge-Kutta-Gill fourth-order integrator method produces excellent results up to 300 second time steps. On orbit prediction with this method was implemented in the onboard onorbit navigation scheme. The Runge-Kutta third order, using Cowell's method, is an excellent general purpose determination integrator for time steps up to a 60 second duration.

Olszewski, O. W.↗

NASA NTRS1991

On the accuracy of shape sensitivity

The calculation of sensitivity of the response of a structure modeled by finite elements to shape variation is known to be subject to numerical difficulties. The accuracy of a given method is typically measured against the yard stick of finite-difference sensitivity calculation. The present paper demonstrates with a simple example that this approach may be flawed because of discretization errors associated with the finite element mesh. Seven methods for calculating sensitivity derivatives are compared for a two-material beam problem with a moving interface. It is found that as the mesh is refined, displacement sensitivity derivatives converge more slowly than the displacements. Six of the methods agree fairly well, but the adjoint variational surface method provides substantially different results. However, the difference is found to reflect convergence from another direction to the same answer rather than reduced accuracy. Additionally, it is observed that small derivatives are particularly prone to accuracy problems.

Haftka, R. T.↗