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At least 415 records · Page 23

Lumped mass modelling for the dynamic analysis of aircraft structures

Aircraft structures may be modelled by lumping the masses at particular strategic points and the flexibility or stiffness of the structure is obtained with reference to these points. Equivalent moments of inertia for the section at these positions are determined. The lumped masses are calculated based on the assumption that each point will represent the mass spread on one half of the space on each side. Then these parameters are used in the differential equation of motion and the eigen characteristics are determined. A comparison is made with results obtained by other established methods. The lumped mass approach in the dynamic analysis of complicated structures provides an easier means of predicting the dynamic characteristics of these structures. It involves less computer time and avoids computational errors that are inherent in the numerical solution of complicated systems.

Abu-Saba, Elias G.↗

Matched asymptotic expansion of the Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman equation for aeroassisted plane-change maneuvers

In this paper we develop a general procedure for constructing a matched asymptotic expansion of the Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman equation based on the method of characteristics. The development is for a class of perturbation problems whose solution exhibits two-time-scale behavior. A regular expansion for problems of this type is inappropriate since it is not uniformly valid over a narrow range of the independent variable. Of particular interest here is the manner in which matching and boundary conditions are enforced when the expansion is carried out to first order. Two cases are distinguished - one where the left boundary condition coincides with or lies to the right of the singular region and one where the left boundary condition lies to the left of the singular region. A simple example is used to illustrate the procedure, and its potential application to aeroassisted plane change is described.

Calise, Anthony J.↗

Theoretical and Measured Attenuation of Mufflers at Room Temperature Without Flow, with Comments on Engine-exhaust Muffler Design

Equations are presented for the attenuation characteristics of several types of mufflers. Experimental curves of attenuation plotted against frequency are presented for 77 different mufflers and the results are compared with theory. The experiments were made at room temperature without flow and the sound source was a loud-speaker. A method is given for including the tail pipe in the calculations. The application of the theory to the design of engine-exhaust mufflers is discussed, and charts have been included for the assistance of the designer.

NOISE↗

Investigation of frequency-response characteristics of engine speed for a typical turbine-propeller engine

Experimental frequency-response characteristics of engine speed for a typical turbine-propeller engine are presented. These data were obtained by subjecting the engine to sinusoidal variations of fuel flow and propeller-blade-angle inputs. Correlation is made between these experimental data and analytical frequency-response characteristics obtained from a linear differential equation derived from steady-state torque-speed relations.

Taylor, Burt L , III↗

Theoretical and Experimental Investigation of Mufflers with Comments on Engine-Exhaust Muffler Design

Equations are presented for the attenuation characteristics of single-chamber and multiple-chamber mufflers of both the expansion-chamber and resonator types, for tuned side-branch tubes, and for the combination of an expansion chamber with a resonator. Experimental curves of attenuation plotted against frequency are presented for 77 different mufflers with a reflection-free tailpipe termination. The experiments were made at room temperature without flow; the sound source was a loud-speaker. A method is given for including the tailpipe reflections in the calculations. Experimental attenuation curves are presented for four different muffler-tailpipe combinations, and the results are compared with the theory. The application of the theory to the design of engine-exhaust mufflers is discussed, and charts are included for the assistance of the designer.

Davis, Don D , Jr↗

Nonlinear theory of a hot-wire anemometer

A theoretical analysis is presented for the hot-wire anemometer to determine the differences in resistance characteristics as given by King's equation for an infinite wire length and those given by the additional considerations of (a) a finite length of wire with heat loss through its ends and (b) heat loss due to a nonlinear function of the temperature difference between the wire and the air.

HEAT TRANSMISSION - GASES & SOLIDS↗

Guidance law development for aeroassisted transfer vehicles using matched asymptotic expansions

This report addresses and clarifies a number of issues related to the Matched Asymptotic Expansion (MAE) analysis of skip trajectories, or any class of problems that give rise to inner layers that are not associated directly with satisfying boundary conditions. The procedure for matching inner and outer solutions, and using the composite solution to satisfy boundary conditions is developed and rigorously followed to obtain a set of algebraic equations for the problem of inclination change with minimum energy loss. A detailed evaluation of the zeroth order guidance algorithm for aeroassisted orbit transfer is performed. It is shown that by exploiting the structure of the MAE solution procedure, the original problem, which requires the solution of a set of 20 implicit algebraic equations, can be reduced to a problem of 6 implicit equations in 6 unknowns. A solution that is near optimal, requires a minimum of computation, and thus can be implemented in real time and on-board the vehicle, has been obtained. Guidance law implementation entails treating the current state as a new initial state and repetitively solving the zeroth order MAE problem to obtain the feedback controls. Finally, a general procedure is developed for constructing a MAE solution up to first order, of the Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman equation based on the method of characteristics. The development is valid for a class of perturbation problems whose solution exhibits two-time-scale behavior. A regular expansion for problems of this type is shown to be inappropriate since it is not valid over a narrow range of the independent variable. That is, it is not uniformly valid. Of particular interest here is the manner in which matching and boundary conditions are enforced when the expansion is carried out to first order. Two cases are distinguished-one where the left boundary condition coincides with, or lies to the right of, the singular region, and another one where the left boundary condition lies to the left of the singular region. A simple example is used to illustrate the procedure where the obtained solution is uniformly valid to O(Epsilon(exp 2)). The potential application of this procedure to aeroassisted plane change is also described and partially evaluated.

Calise, Anthony J.↗

Langmuir turbulence in the auroral ionosphere 2: Nonlinear theory and simulations

A theoretical interpretation of sounding rocket measurements of intense Langmuir wave fields (less than or equal to 500 mV/m) driven by a stream of 20 eV to 4 keV electrons in the lower auroral zone is developed. This interpretation is based on the ability of the 10 microseconds sampling rate of the wave detector to temporally resolve the structure of the Langmuir wave field envelope. A modified form of the Zakharov equations is used to numerically study beam-driven Langmuir turbulence in the presence of a moderate magnetic field (OMEGA (sub e) approximately equals Omega (sub pe). Strong Landau damping on observed nonthermal scattered electrons, which is treated in a companion paper (Newman et al., this issue), plays an important role by inhibiting backscatter cascade and the development of strong turbulence. A parameterized model of the linear electron stream-driven wave instability is introduced, which incorporates limited quasilinear plateau formation. A reasonable set of parameters is found that yields semiquantitative agreement between observed properties of the Langmuir fields and the results of Zakharov equation simulations, including the amplitude and characteristic frequency of the electric field envelope modulations.

Newman, D. L.↗

Internal Radiation Effects in Zirconia Thermal Barrier Coatings

Using thermal barrier coatings on combustor liners, turbine vanes, and rotating blades is important for reducing metal temperatures in current and advanced aircraft engines. Zirconia is a common coating material, and it is partially transparent to thermal radiation. Radiation becomes more significant as temperatures are raised for higher efficiency in advanced engines. Calculations are often made with radiation effects neglected inside the coating. The effect of radiation is illustrated here, where an analytical procedure is provided by using the two-flux method for the radiative contribution. A detailed study was made of ceramic thermal barrier coatings for diesel engines, and a two-flux analysis was developed for radiation in semitransparent multilayer composites. These efforts provide the basis for the present analysis where illustrative solutions are obtained for typical conditions in an aircraft engine. The formulation and solution of the exact spectral radiative transfer equations including large scattering, as is characteristic of zirconia, are rather complicated. The two-flux method is used here to provide a simplified method.

Siegel, Robert↗

Low-Dispersion Scheme for Nonlinear Acoustic Waves in Nonuniform Flow

The linear dispersion-relation-preserving scheme and its boundary conditions have been extended to the nonlinear Euler equations. This allowed computing, a nonuniform flowfield and a nonlinear acoustic wave propagation in such a medium, by the same scheme. By casting all the equations, boundary conditions, and the solution scheme in generalized curvilinear coordinates, the solutions were made possible for non-Cartesian domains and, for the better deployment of the grid points, nonuniform grid step sizes could be used. It has been tested for a number of simple initial-value and periodic-source problems. A simple demonstration of the difference between a linear and nonlinear propagation was conducted. The wall boundary condition, derived from the momentum equations and implemented through a pressure at a ghost point, and the radiation boundary condition, derived from the asymptotic solution to the Euler equations, have proven to be effective for the nonlinear equations and nonuniform flows. The nonreflective characteristic boundary conditions also have shown success but limited to the nonlinear waves in no mean flow, and failed for nonlinear waves in nonuniform flow.

Baysal, Oktay↗

Aerodynamic and Aeroelastic Insights using Eigenanalysis

This paper presents novel analytical results for eigenvalues and eigenvectors produced using discrete time aerodynamic and aeroelastic models. An unsteady, incompressible vortex lattice aerodynamic model is formulated in discrete time; the importance of several modeling parameters is examined. A detailed study is made of the behavior of the aerodynamic eigenvalues both in discrete and continuous time. The aerodynamic model is then incorporated into aeroelastic equations of motion. Eigenanalyses of the coupled equations produce stability results and modal characteristics which are valid for critical and non-critical velocities. Insight into the modeling and physics associated with aeroelastic system behavior is gained by examining both the eigenvalues and the eigenvectors. Potential pitfalls in discrete time model construction and analysis are examined.

Heeg, Jennifer↗

Introduction to SST-ATC Study Program

The purpose of this brief introduction is to define the objectives of the program and to describe the manner in which it is being pursued. The study is directed toward problems anticipated with the introduction of the supersonic transport into the air-traffic-control system. The primary objectives are: (1) The determination of the effects of the SST (supersonic transport) on requirements of the ATC (air traffic control) system. (2) The determination of the effects of the ATC system on requirements for the SST design and for its equipment. Basically, the program is a simulation effort involving equipment both at Langley and at the NAFEC facility. A block diagram illustrating the manner in which the equipment of the two agencies has been integrated to carry out the program. The Langley equipment includes a cockpit, or flight compartment that is generally representative of transport equipment, and an analog computer for solving the six-degree-of-freedom motion equations for an aircraft having the characteristics of the SST design under study.

Toll, Thomas A.↗

Characterization of Thin Film Microstrip Lines on Polyimide

This paper presents an in depth characterization of thin film microstrip (TFMS) lines fabricated on Dupont PI-2611 polyimide. Measured attenuation and effective dielectric constant is presented for TFMS lines with thicknesses from 2.45-7.4 microns and line widths from 5-34.4 microns over the frequency range of 1-110 GHz. The attenuation is separated into conductor and dielectric losses to determine the loss tangent of Dupont PI-2611 polyimide over the microwave frequency range. In addition, the measured characteristics are compared to closed form equations for a and eff from the literature. Based on the comparisons, recommendations for the best dosed form design equations for TFMS are made.

Ponchak, George E.↗

Aerodynamic and Aeroelastic Insights using Eigenanalysis

This paper presents novel analytical results for eigenvalues and eigenvectors produced using discrete time aerodynamic and aeroelastic models. An unsteady, incompressible vortex lattice aerodynamic model is formulated in discrete time; the importance of several modeling parameters is examined. A detailed study is made of the behavior of the aerodynamic eigenvalues both in discrete and continuous time. The aerodynamic model is then incorporated into aeroelastic equations of motion. Eigenanalyses of the coupled equations produce stability results and modal characteristics which are valid for critical and non-critical velocities. Insight into the modeling and physics associated with aeroelastic system behavior is gained by examining both the eigenvalues and the eigenvectors. Potential pitfalls in discrete time model construction and analysis are examined.

Heeg, Jennifer↗

The Design of a High-Q, MACH-5 Nozzle for the Langley 8-Foot HTT

A new nozzle has ben designed for the NASA Langley Research Center 8-Foot High Temperature Tunnel. The new nozzle was designed with a Mach-5 exit flow at a Mach-5 flight-enthalpy test condition and has a smaller throat area than the existing Mach-5 nozzle which significantly increases the range of dynamic pressures that can be achieved in the facility. The nozzle was designed using the NASA Langley IMOCND computer program which solves the potential equation using the classical method of characteristics. Several axisymmetric nozzle contours were generated and evaluated using viscous computational fluid dynamics. A number of items were considered in the evaluation, including flow uniformity, thermal and structural design, manufacturing schedule and cost. Once the final contour was selected, studies were done to determine the effects of manufacturing irregularities (steps and cavities at joints). These studies were done to develop manufacturing specifications and assembly tolerances.

Gaffey, Richard L., Jr.↗

Design of a Mach-3 Nozzle for TBCC Testing in the NASA LaRC 8-ft High Temperature Tunnel

A new nozzle is being constructed for the NASA Langley Research Center 8-Foot High Temperature Tunnel. The axisymmetric nozzle was designed with a Mach-3 exit flow for testing Turbine-Based Combined-Cycle engines at a Mach number in the vicinity of the transition from turbojet to ramjet operation. The nozzle contour was designed using the NASA Langley IMOCND computer program which solves the potential equation using the classical method of characteristics. To include viscous effects, the design procedure iterated the MOC contour generation with CFD Navier-Stokes calculations, adjusting MOC input parameters until target nozzle-exit conditions were achieved in the Navier-Stokes calculations. The design process was complicated by a requirement to use the final 29.5 inches of an existing 54.5-inch exit-diameter Mach-5 nozzle contour. This was accomplished by generating a Mach-3 contour that matched the radius of the Mach-5 contour at the match point and using a 3rd order polynomial to create a smooth transition between the two contours. During the final evaluation of the design it was realized that the throat diameter is more than half that of the upstream mixing chamber. This led to the concern that large vortical structures generated in the mixer would persist downstream, affecting nozzle-exit flow. This concern was addressed by analyzing the results of three-dimensional, viscous, numerical simulations of the entire flowfield, from the exit of the facility combustor to the nozzle exit. An analysis of the solution indicated that large scale structures do not pass through the throat and that both the total temperature and species (CO2) are well mixed in the mixer, providing uniform flow to the nozzle and subsequently the test cabin.

Gaffney, Richard L., Jr.↗

Scattering and Absorption Properties of Polydisperse Wavelength-sized Particles Covered with Much Smaller Grains

Using the results of direct, numerically exact computer solutions of the Maxwell equations, we analyze scattering and absorption characteristics of polydisperse compound particles in the form of wavelength-sized spheres covered with a large number of much smaller spherical grains.The results pertain to the complex refractive indices1.55 + i0.0003,1.55 + i0.3, and 3 + i0.1. We show that the optical effects of dusting wavelength-sized hosts by microscopic grains can vary depending on the number and size of the grains as well as on the complex refractive index. Our computations also demonstrate the high efficiency of the new superposition T-matrix code developed for use on distributed memory computer clusters.

Dlugach, Jana M.↗

Determination of the zincate diffusion coefficient and its application to alkaline battery problems

The diffusion coefficient for the zincate ion at 24 C was found to be 9.9 X 10 to the minus 7th power squared cm per sec + or - 30 percent in 45 percent potassium hydroxide and 1.4 x 10 to the minus 7 squared cm per sec + or - 25 percent in 40 percent sodium hydroxide. Comparison of these values with literature values at different potassium hydroxide concentrations show that the Stokes-Einstein equation is obeyed. The diffusion coefficient is characteristic of the zincate ion (not the cation) and independent of its concentration. Calculations with the measured value of the diffusion coefficient show that the zinc concentration in an alkaline zincate half cell becomes uniform throughout in tens of hours by diffusion alone. Diffusion equations are derived which are applicable to finite size chambers. Details and discussion of the experimental method are also given.

May, C. E.↗