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At least 433 records · Page 24

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NASA NTRSDate not supplied

In-situ Inspection of Reflowable-Interface Composite Joints During Cure in an Autoclave

In structural bonds, the interface between adherend and adhesive is nearly two-dimensional making it susceptible to minute quantities of contamination, which can cause weak bonds. Regulatory organizations such as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) often require redundant load paths in secondary-bonded, primary-structures to alleviate concerns with bonded performance. Under NASA’s Convergent Aeronautics Solutions (CAS) project, the Adhesive Free Bonding of Composites (AERoBOND) project is investigating reformulated aerospace epoxy-matrix resins to enable reflow and diffusion of the resin at the joint interface during a secondary bonding and cure process. The reflow and intermixing of the matrix resin during assembly can eliminate the material discontinuity at the interface, thereby removing the dependence of bond performance on adhesion at a nearly two-dimensional boundary. AERoBOND process development has evaluated a multitude of parameters including the materials used, the stoichiometric offset of the epoxy resins, time and temperature of cure, and thickness of each ply. Without in-situ process monitoring, the condition of a test article is unknown until mechanical testing is completed. This presentation describes the use of an in-situ ultrasonic inspection system to monitor the joining of two composite parts assembled using the AERoBOND technique. This work quantifies the elimination of the interface by measuring the wave reflection, or lack thereof, at the joint throughout the cure cycle. In addition, the results indicate when reflow and cure of the epoxy resin at the joint occurred. By using the recently developed in-situ inspection with a mobile ultrasonic transducer, localized results can be obtained across a large portion of the joint with high resolution.

Tyler B Hudson↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

In-situ Inspection of Reflowable-Interface Composite Joints During Cure in an Autoclave

Tyler B Hudson↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

In-situ Inspection of Reflowable-Interface Composite Joints During Cure in an Autoclave

In structural bonds, the interface between adherend and adhesive is nearly two-dimensional making it susceptible to minute quantities of contamination, which can cause weak bonds. Regulatory organizations such as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) often require redundant load paths in secondary-bonded primary-structures to alleviate the inability to certify bonded performance. To address this issue, the NASA Convergent Aeronautics Solutions (CAS): Adhesive Free Bonding of Composites (AERoBOND) project is investigating reformulated aerospace epoxy-matrix resins to enable reflow and diffusion of the resin at the joint interface during a secondary bonding and cure process. The reflow and intermixing of the matrix resin during assembly can eliminate the material discontinuity at the interface, thereby removing the dependence of bond performance on adhesion at a nearly two-dimensional boundary. AERoBOND process development has evaluated a multitude of parameters including the materials used, the stoichiometric offset of the epoxy resins, time and temperature of cure, and thickness of each ply. Without in-situ process monitoring, the condition of a test article is unknown until mechanical testing is completed. This paper describes the use of an in-situ ultrasonic inspection system to monitor the joining of two composite parts assembled using the AERoBOND technique. This work quantifies the interface by measuring the wave reflection, or lack thereof, at the joint throughout the cure cycle. In addition, the results indicate when reflow and cure of the epoxy resin at the joint occurred. By using the recently developed in-situ inspection method with a mobile ultrasonic transducer, localized results can be obtained across a large portion of the joint with high resolution.

Tyler B Hudson↗

NASA NTRS1992

Polarimetric signatures of a coniferous forest canopy based on vector radiative transfer theory

Complete polarization signatures of a coniferous forest canopy are studied by the iterative solution of the vector radiative transfer equations up to the second order. The forest canopy constituents (leaves, branches, stems, and trunk) are embedded in a multi-layered medium over a rough interface. The branches, stems and trunk scatterers are modeled as finite randomly oriented cylinders. The leaves are modeled as randomly oriented needles. For a plane wave exciting the canopy, the average Mueller matrix is formulated in terms of the iterative solution of the radiative transfer solution and used to determine the linearly polarized backscattering coefficients, the co-polarized and cross-polarized power returns, and the phase difference statistics. Numerical results are presented to investigate the effect of transmitting and receiving antenna configurations on the polarimetric signature of a pine forest. Comparison is made with measurements.

Karam, M. A.↗

NASA NTRS2002

Development of Three-Dimensional Multicellular Tissue-Like Constructs for Mutational Analysis Using Macroporous Microcarriers

A three-dimensional (3-D), tissue-like model was developed for the genotoxic assessment of space environment. In previous experiments, we found that culturing mammalian cells in a NASA-designed bioreactor, using Cytodex-3 beads as a scaffold, generated 3-D multicellular spheroids. In an effort to generate scaffold-free spheroids, we developed a new 3-D tissue-like model by coculturing fibroblast and epithelial cell in a NASA bioreactor using macroporous Cultispher-S(TradeMark) microcarriers. Big Blue(Registered Trademark) Rat 2(Lambda) fibroblasts, genetically engineered to contain multiple copies (>60 copies/cell) of the Lac I target gene, were cocultured with radio-sensitive human epithelial cells, H184F5. Over an 8-day period, samples were periodically examined by microscopy and histology to confirm cell attachment, growth, and viability. Immunohistochemistry and western analysis were used to evaluate the expression of specific cytoskeletal and adhesion proteins. Key cell culture parameters (glucose, pH, and lactate concentrations) were monitored daily. Controls were two-dimensional mono layers of fibroblast or epithelial cells cultured in T-flasks. Analysis of 3-D spheroids from the bioreactor suggests fibroblast cells attached to and completely covered the bead surface and inner channels by day 3 in the bioreactor. Treatment of the 3-day spheroids with dispase II dissolved the Cultisphers(TradeMark) and produced multicellular, bead-less constructs. Immunohistochemistry confirmed the presence of vi.mentin, cytokeratin and E-cadherin in treated spheroids. Examination of the dispase II treated spheroids with transmission electron microscopy (TEM) also showed the presence of desmosomes. These results suggest that the controlled enzymatic degradation of an artificial matrix in the low shear environment of the NASA-designed bioreactor can produce 3-D tissue-like spheroids. 2

Jordan, Jacqueline A.↗

NASA NTRS1997

Further Developments of BEM for Micro and Macromechanical Analyses of Composites: Boundary Element Software Technology-Composite User's Manual

BEST-CMS (Boundary Element Solution Technology - Composite Modeling System) is an advanced engineering system for the micro-analysis of fiber composite structures. BEST-CMS is based upon the boundary element program BEST3D which was developed for NASA by Pratt and Whitney Aircraft and the State University of New York at Buffalo under contract NAS3-23697. BEST-CMS presently has the capabilities for elastostatic analysis, steady-state and transient heat transfer analysis, steady-state and transient concurrent thermoelastic analysis and elastoplastic and creep analysis. The fibers are assumed to be perfectly bonded to the composite matrix, or in the case of static or steady-state analysis, the fibers may be assumed to have spring connections, thermal resistance, and/or frictional sliding between the fibers and the composite matrix. The primary objective of this User's Manual is to provide an overview of all BEST-CMS capabilities, along with detailed descriptions of the input data requirements. A brief review of the theoretical background is presented for each analysis category. Then, Chapter 3 discusses the key aspects of the numerical implementation, while Chapter 4 provides a tutorial for the beginning BEST-CMS user. The heart of the manual, however, is in Chapter 5, where a complete description of all data input items is provided. Within this chapter, the individual entries are grouped on a functional basis for a more coherent presentation. Chapter 6 includes sample problems and should be of considerable assistance to the novice. Chapter 7 includes capsules of a number of fiber-composite analysis problems that have been solved using BEST-CMS. This chapter is primarily descriptive in nature and is intended merely to illustrate the level of analysis that is possible within the present BEST-CMS system. Chapter 8 contains a detailed description of the BEST-CMS Neutral File which is helpful in writing an interface between BEST- CMS and any graphic post-processor program. Finally, all pertinent references are listed in Chapter 9.

Banerjee, P. K.↗

NASA NTRS1998

Rotaing Systems Used as Microgravity Simulators for Studies of Cartilage Differentiation

Just as Studies of abnormal chondrogenesis produced by mutation or teratogen add to our understanding of the normal chondrogenic process, studying chondrogenesis in space may assist in 1 g studies of chondrogenic defects. Opportunities to study cartilage differentiation in space, however, are limited, so systems have been developed which can be used at 1 g to simulate microgravity. One model used to mimic effects of microgravity is the clinostat a rotating system which converts gravity from a vector quantity to a scalar quantity. In slow rotating clitiostat systems, cells are attached to a substrate as at 1 g, and rotated with the plane of the culture perpendicular to the gravitational field. Another rotating system used as a microgravity simulator is the Slow Turning Lateral Vessel (STLV) which uses a rotating cylindrical vessel, completely filled with medium to culture cells in suspension without subjecting them to damaging shear forces. Embronic limb cells cultured in the slow rotating clinostat, the STLV, and in space exhibit changes in chondrogenesis related to the stage at which the cells are exposed. Clinorotation decreases the number of nodules in micromass cultures, showing an effect on the condensation process. In micromass cultures flown in space, condensation occurred preflight, so the primary effect of microgravity exposure was on matrix production. In chondrocytes in the STLV, as in growth plates of spaceflown rats, hypertrophy was decreased. Future clinostat and spaceflight experiments will examine the effect on adhesive molecules and on cytoskeletal organization because of their involvement in the processes that are affected. The mechanisms by which micro-gravity alters phenotype modulation, matrix production and aggregation, and chondrocyte hypertrophy after the cartilage phenotype is established must also be elucidated. The mechanisms resulting in cartilage defects are to a large extent unknown, and microgravitv may provide a way to identify them.

Duke, Pauline Jackie↗

NASA NTRS2000

Photoionization and Recombination

Theoretically self-consistent calculations for photoionization and (e + ion) recombination are described. The same eigenfunction expansion for the ion is employed in coupled channel calculations for both processes, thus ensuring consistency between cross sections and rates. The theoretical treatment of (e + ion) recombination subsumes both the non-resonant recombination ("radiative recombination"), and the resonant recombination ("di-electronic recombination") processes in a unified scheme. In addition to the total, unified recombination rates, level-specific recombination rates and photoionization cross sections are obtained for a large number of atomic levels. Both relativistic Breit-Pauli, and non-relativistic LS coupling, calculations are carried out in the close coupling approximation using the R-matrix method. Although the calculations are computationally intensive, they yield nearly all photoionization and recombination parameters needed for astrophysical photoionization models with higher precision than hitherto possible, estimated at about 10-20% from comparison with experimentally available data (including experimentally derived DR rates). Results are electronically available for over 40 atoms and ions. Photoionization and recombination of He-, and Li-like C and Fe are described for X-ray modeling. The unified method yields total and complete (e+ion) recombination rate coefficients, that can not otherwise be obtained theoretically or experimentally.

Nahar, Sultana N.↗

NASA NTRS1984

A variational method for the calculation of dynamic polarizabilities and two-photon transition moments - The dressed molecule approach

The solution of the time-dependent Schroedinger equation of the molecule + radiation field system is analyzed. A quantized radiation field is used. The relationship between the oscillatory wave function and the dressed state wave function is established, the oscillatory wave function being the solution if the radiation field is turned on at t = 0 and the dressed state being the stationary solution satisfying the boundary condition only if the field is present at t = negative infinity. In general, the oscillatory wave function can be expressed using a complete set of dressed states. However, in the presence of a nonresonant radiation field, the system is well represented by a single dressed state. Molecular properties such as dynamic polarizabilities and two-photon transition moments can be deduced from the dressed state wave function instead of the oscillatory wave function as in previous methods. Because of its stationary character, the dressed state is more amenable to approximate calculations. A CI method is developed for this purpose. The CI matrix is simple in form and can be readily constructed using existing computer codes. The present method can also be adapted to calculate other optical properties.

Huo, W. M.↗

NASA NTRS1989

A review of some problems in global-local stress analysis

The various types of local-global finite-element problems point out the need to develop a new generation of software. First, this new software needs to have a complete analysis capability, encompassing linear and nonlinear analysis of 1-, 2-, and 3-dimensional finite-element models, as well as mixed dimensional models. The software must be capable of treating static and dynamic (vibration and transient response) problems, including the stability effects of initial stress, and the software should be able to treat both elastic and elasto-plastic materials. The software should carry a set of optional diagnostics to assist the program user during model generation in order to help avoid obvious structural modeling errors. In addition, the program software should be well documented so the user has a complete technical reference for each type of element contained in the program library, including information on such topics as the type of numerical integration, use of underintegration, and inclusion of incompatible modes, etc. Some packaged information should also be available to assist the user in building mixed-dimensional models. An important advancement in finite-element software should be in the development of program modularity, so that the user can select from a menu various basic operations in matrix structural analysis.

Nelson, Richard B.↗

NASA NTRS1991

Structural control design based on reduced-order observer

An observer-based structural control design method is proposed in this paper. The method is a semi-inverse design procedure in that the control law is not designed before the observer system, but is a result that comes from the observer design. However, the observer design is not completely independent of the control design either, but seeks to yield a control law that is close to a prescribed control law. First, the observer design problem is considered as the reconstruction of a linear function of the state vector. The linear state function to be reconstructed is the given control law. Then, based on the derivation for linear state function observers, the observer design is formulated as a parameter optimization problem. The optimization objective is to generate a matrix that is close to the optimal feedback gain matrix. Based on that matrix, the form of the observer and a new control law can be determined. The semi-inverse design procedure can yield a reduced-order observer with dimension considerably smaller than that of the system. Two examples are used to demonstrate the proposed design procedure.

Su, Tzu-Jeng↗

NASA NTRS1993

Theoretical calculations on the electron absorption spectra of selected Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH) and derivatives

As a theoretical component of the joint effort with the laboratory of Dr. Lou Allamandola to search for potential candidates for interstellar organic carbon compound that are responsible for the visible diffuse interstellar absorption bands (DIB's), quantum mechanical calculations were performed on the electron absorption spectra of selected polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and derivatives. In the completed project, 15 different species of naphthalene, its hydrogen abstraction and addition derivatives, and corresponding cations and anions were studied. Using semiempirical quantum mechanical method INDO/S, the ground electronic state of each species was evaluated with restricted Hartree-Fock scheme and limited configuration interaction. The lowest energy spin state for each species was used for electron absorption calculations. Results indicate that these calculations are accurate enough to reproduce the spectra of naphthalene cation and anion observed in neon matrix. The spectral pattern of the hydrogen abstraction and addition derivatives predicted based on these results indicate that the electron configuration of the pi orbitals of these species is the dominant determinant. A combined list of 19 absorptions calculated from 4500 A to 10,400 A were compiled and suggested as potential candidates that are relevant for the DIB's absorptions. Continued studies on pyrene and derivatives revealed the ground state symmetries and multiplicities of its neutral, anionic, and cationic species. Spectral calculations show that the cation (B(sub 3g)-2) and the anion (A(sub u)-2) are more likely to have low energy absorptions in the regions between 10 kK and 20 kK, similar to naphthalene. These absorptions, together with those to be determined from the hydrogen abstraction and addition derivatives of pyrene, can be used to provide additional candidates and suggest experimental work in the search for interstellar compounds that are responsible for DIB's.

Du, Ping↗

NASA NTRS1995

Implementation of a multiblock sensitivity analysis method in numerical aerodynamic shape optimization

A multiblock sensitivity analysis method is applied in a numerical aerodynamic shape optimization technique. The Sensitivity Analysis Domain Decomposition (SADD) scheme which is implemented in this study was developed to reduce the computer memory requirements resulting from the aerodynamic sensitivity analysis equations. Discrete sensitivity analysis offers the ability to compute quasi-analytical derivatives in a more efficient manner than traditional finite-difference methods, which tend to be computationally expensive and prone to inaccuracies. The direct optimization procedure couples CFD analysis based on the two-dimensional thin-layer Navier-Stokes equations with a gradient-based numerical optimization technique. The linking mechanism is the sensitivity equation derived from the CFD discretized flow equations, recast in adjoint form, and solved using direct matrix inversion techniques. This investigation is performed to demonstrate an aerodynamic shape optimization technique on a multiblock domain and its applicability to complex geometries. The objectives are accomplished by shape optimizing two aerodynamic configurations. First, the shape optimization of a transonic airfoil is performed to investigate the behavior of the method in highly nonlinear flows and the effect of different grid blocking strategies on the procedure. Secondly, shape optimization of a two-element configuration in subsonic flow is completed. Cases are presented for this configuration to demonstrate the effect of simultaneously reshaping interfering elements. The aerodynamic shape optimization is shown to produce supercritical type airfoils in the transonic flow from an initially symmetric airfoil. Multiblocking effects the path of optimization while providing similar results at the conclusion. Simultaneous reshaping of elements is shown to be more effective than individual element reshaping due to the inclusion of mutual interference effects.

Lacasse, James M.↗

NASA NTRS1983

A proposed approach to the application of nonlinear irreversible thermodynamics to fracture in composite materials

The fracture criteria upon which most fracture mechanics is based involves an energy balance that is not appropriate for the fracture mechanics of viscoelastic materials such as polymer matrix composites. A more appropriate criterion based upon nonequilibrium thermodynamics and involving a power balance rather than an energy balance is proposed. This crierion is based upon a reformulation of the second law of thermodynamics which focuses attention on the total Legendre transform of energy expressed as a functional over time and space. This excess energy functional can be shown to be equivalent to the Rice J integral if the only irreversible process is the propogation of a single crack completely through the thickness of the specimen and if the crack propogation is assured to be independent of time. For the more general case of more than one crack in a viscoelastic medium integration over both time and space is required. Two experimentally measurable parameters are proposed which should permit the evaluation of this more general fracture criterion.

Lindenmeyer, P. H.↗

NASA NTRS1991

An improved error assessment for the GEM-T1 gravitational model

Several tests have been designed to estimate the correct error variances for the GEM-T1 gravitational solution that was derived exclusively from satellite tracking data. The basic method uses both independent and dependent subset data solutions and produces a coefficient-by-coefficient estimate of the model uncertainties. The GEM-T1 errors have been further analyzed using a method based on eigenvalue-eigenvector analysis, which calibrates the entire covariance matrix. Dependent satellite data sets and independent altimetric, resonant satellite, and surface gravity data sets all confirm essentially the same error assessment. The calibration test results yield very stable calibration factors, which vary only by approximately 10 percent over the range of tests performed. Based on these calibrated error estimates, GEM-T1 is a significantly improved solution, which to degree and order 8 is twice as accurate as earlier satellite derived models like GEM-L2. Also, by being complete to degree and order 36, GEM-T1 is more complete and has significantly reduced aliasing effects that were present in previous models.

Lerch, F. J.↗

NASA NTRS2011

Experimental Determination of the Dynamic Hydraulic Transfer Function for the J-2X Oxidizer Turbopump: Methodology - Part One

An advanced methodology for extracting the hydraulic dynamic pump transfer matrix (Yp) for a cavitating liquid rocket engine turbopump inducer+impeller has been developed. The transfer function is required for integrated vehicle pogo stability analysis as well as optimization of local inducer pumping stability. Laboratory pulsed subscale waterflow test of the J-2X oxygen turbo pump is introduced and our new extraction method applied to the data collected. From accurate measures of pump inlet and discharge perturbational mass flows and pressures, and one-dimensional flow models that represents complete waterflow loop physics, we are able to derive Yp and hence extract the characteristic pump parameters: compliance, pump gain, impedance, mass flow gain. Detailed modeling is necessary to accurately translate instrument plane measurements to the pump inlet and discharge and extract Yp. We present the MSFC Dynamic Lump Parameter Fluid Model Framework and describe critical dynamic component details. We report on fit minimization techniques, cost (fitness) function derivation, and resulting model fits to our experimental data are presented. Comparisons are made to alternate techniques for spatially translating measurement stations to actual pump inlet and discharge.

Zoladz, Tom↗

NASA NTRS1977

Error rate information in attention allocation pilot models

The Northrop urgency decision pilot model was used in a command tracking task to compare the optimized performance of multiaxis attention allocation pilot models whose urgency functions were (1) based on tracking error alone, and (2) based on both tracking error and error rate. A matrix of system dynamics and command inputs was employed, to create both symmetric and asymmetric two axis compensatory tracking tasks. All tasks were single loop on each axis. Analysis showed that a model that allocates control attention through nonlinear urgency functions using only error information could not achieve performance of the full model whose attention shifting algorithm included both error and error rate terms. Subsequent to this analysis, tracking performance predictions for the full model were verified by piloted flight simulation. Complete model and simulation data are presented.

Faulkner, W. H.↗

NASA NTRS1990

Scattering from randomly oriented scatterers with strong permittivity fluctuations

Strong permittivity fluctuation theory is used to solve the problem of scattering from a medium composed of completely randomly oriented scatterers under a low frequency limit. Gaussian statistics are not assumed for the renormalized scattering sources. Numerical results on effective permittivity are illustrated for oblate and prolate spheroidal scatterers and compared with the results for spherical scatterers. The results are consistent with discrete scatterer theory. The effective permittivity of a random medium embedded with nonspherical scatterers shows a higher imaginary part than the spherical scatterer case with equal correlation volume. Under the distorted Born approximation, the polarimetric covariance matrix for the backscattered electric field is calculated for half-space randomly oriented scatterers. The nonspherical geometry of the scatterers shows significant effects on the cross-polarized backscattering returns, and the correlation coefficient between HH and VV returns. The polarimetric backscattering coefficients can provide useful information in distinguishing the geometry of scatterers.

Yueh, S. H.↗