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At least 469 records · Page 26

Hydrogen film cooling investigation

Effects of flow turning, flow acceleration, and supersonic flow on film cooling were determined experimentally and correlated in terms of an entrainment film cooling model. Experiments were conducted using thin walled metal test sections, hot nitrogen mainstream gas, and ambient hydrogen or nitrogen as film coolants. The entrainment film cooling model relates film cooling effectiveness to the amount of mainstream gases entrained with the film coolant in a mixing layer. The experimental apparatus and the analytical model used are described in detail and correlations for the entrainment fraction and film coolant-to-wall heat transfer coefficient are presented.

Rousar, D. C.↗

The effect of ring distortions on buckling of blunt conical shells

A rigorous analytical study of cones stiffened by many thin-gage, open-section rings is presented. The results are compared with data previously obtained from uniform pressure tests of the Viking mission flight aeroshell and of the Viking structural prototype aeroshells. A conventional analysis, in which the rings are modeled as discrete rigid cross sections, is shown to lead to large, unconservative strength predictions. A more sophisticated technique of modeling the rings as shell branches leads to much more realistic strength predictions and more accurately predicts the failure modes. It is also shown that if a small initial imperfection proportional to the shape of the buckling mode is assumed, the critical buckling modes from analysis and test are in agreement. However, the reduction in buckling strength from the perfect-shell predictions is small.

Heard, W. L., Jr.↗

Thin-walled composite beams under bending, torsional, and extensional loads

Symmetric and antisymmetric layup graphite-epoxy composite beams with thin-walled rectangular cross sections are fabricated using an autoclave molding technique and tested under bending, torsional, and extensional loads. The bending slope and elastic twist at a station are measured using an optical system, and the results correlated with predicted values from a simple beam analysis as well as a refined finite element analysis. A symmetric ply layup results in bending-twist coupling whereas an antisymmetric layup causes extension-twist coupling. Simple analytical results with plane-stress assumption agree better with measured data as well as finite element predictions than with plane-strain assumption. For symmetric layup beams, the bending-induced twist and torsion-induced bending slope are predicted satisfactorily using simple analytical solution. Correlations with measured data, however, are generally improved using a finite element solution. For antisymmetric beams, axial force-induced twist is predicted satisfactorily by both methods.

Chandra, Ramesh↗

Fixture For Hot Stress Tests Of Thin Specimens

Fixture designed to hold and heat thin, rectangular-cross-section specimen of composite material during hot lengthwise-stress test. Suitable for testing same specimen in either tension or compression. Clamps lightly onto specimen, providing both heat via thermal conduction and lateral support needed to prevent buckling during compression test.

Gates, Thomas S.↗

The Design of Mechanically Compatible Fasteners for Human Mandible Reconstruction

Mechanically compatible fasteners for use with thin or weakened bone sections in the human mandible are being developed to help reduce large strain discontinuities across the bone/implant interface. Materials being considered for these fasteners are a polyetherertherketone (PEEK) resin with continuous quartz or carbon fiber for the screw. The screws were designed to have a shear strength equivalent to that of compact/trabecular bone and to be used with a conventional nut, nut plate, or an expandable shank/blind nut made of a ceramic filled polymer. Physical and finite element models of the mandible were developed in order to help select the best material fastener design. The models replicate the softer inner core of trabecular bone and the hard outer shell of compact bone. The inner core of the physical model consisted of an expanding foam and the hard outer shell consisted of ceramic particles in an epoxy matrix. This model has some of the cutting and drilling attributes of bone and may be appropriate as an educational tool for surgeons and medical students. The finite element model was exercised to establish boundary conditions consistent with the stress profiles associated with mandible bite forces and muscle loads. Work is continuing to compare stress/strain profiles of a reconstructed mandible with the results from the finite element model. When optimized, these design and fastening techniques may be applicable, not only to other skeletal structures, but to any composite structure.

Roberts, Jack C.↗

Two-dimensional viscous accretion disk models. II - On viscous overstability

Accretion disks have been shown to be susceptible to pulsational overstability when the viscosity coefficient increases upon compression. In this study, the stability of an axisymmetric accretion disk with vertical structure is considered. 2D axisymmetric calculations were performed by solving the set of fully nonlinear hydrodynamic equations, including radiation transport. The time evolution of a representative section (ring) of a thin radiative accretion disk is studied. The existence of the overstability in 2D is confirmed. It is found that the presence of periodic oscillations near the outer boundary of a real disk might account for some of the low-amplitude flickering observed in dwarf novae.

Kley, W.↗

Comparison of Long-Term Storage in Chemical Fixatives on Morphology and Anatomy of Super-Dwarf Wheat

Wheat plants (Triticum aestivum L. cv Super-Dwarf) are grown in the microgravity of space and harvested for morphological and anatomical comparison with those exposed to gravity on earth. Such plants are subjected to relatively long periods of storage in chemical fixatives. Examination, evaluation and verification that the integrity of the vascular system is maintained for extended periods of storage in fixatives are required. McDowell and Trump's [4% Formaldehyde -- 1 % Glutaraldehyde (4F: 1 G)] or Variant I [(Russian Fixative): Formalin: Acetic Acid: Alcohol] fixatives, adjusted to pH 7.2, were placed in Aclam(TM), FilmORap(TM), or FilmOSun(TM) plastic bags on April 4, 1994. Wheat seedlings were harvested on days 9, 28, and 68 and preserved in these fixatives. Subsamples of leaves and/or seeds were taken from these stocks after various times in storage, dehydrated, and embedded in Spurr's, LR White's or Unicryl resin. Semithin (1 mm) and thin (50-70 nm) sections were examined by light and transmission electron microscopy. In a few sections, we have observed a slight plasmolysis of the cytostol in leaf tissue fixed with the Variant I, but overall there seem to be no major artifacts in the anatomical structure. The plasmalemma and other organelles appeared normal in the McDowell and Trump fixative. Use of differential chromophores suggests that LR White or Unicryl resins may give greater flexibility for enzyme localizations at both the light and electron microscopical levels.

Bubenheim, David L.↗

Novel Control Effectors for Truss Braced Wing

At cruise flight conditions very high aspect ratio/low sweep truss braced wings (TBW) may be subject to design requirements that distinguish them from more highly swept cantilevered wings. High aspect ratio, short chord length and relative thinness of the airfoil sections all contribute to relatively low wing torsional stiffness. This may lead to aeroelastic issues such as aileron reversal and low flutter margins. In order to counteract these issues, high aspect ratio/low sweep wings may need to carry additional high speed control effectors to operate when outboard ailerons are in reversal and/or must carry additional structural weight to enhance torsional stiffness. The novel control effector evaluated in this study is a variable sweep raked wing tip with an aileron control surface. Forward sweep of the tip allows the aileron to align closely with the torsional axis of the wing and operate in a conventional fashion. Aft sweep of the tip creates a large moment arm from the aileron to the wing torsional axis greatly enhancing aileron reversal. The novelty comes from using this enhanced and controllable aileron reversal effect to provide roll control authority by acting as a servo tab and providing roll control through intentional twist of the wing. In this case the reduced torsional stiffness of the wing becomes an advantage to be exploited. The study results show that the novel control effector concept does provide roll control as described, but only for a restricted class of TBW aircraft configurations. For the configuration studied (long range, dual aisle, Mach 0.85 cruise) the novel control effector provides significant benefits including up to 12% reduction in fuel burn.

White, Edward V.↗

Physiology of a microgravity environment invited review: microgravity and skeletal muscle

Spaceflight (SF) has been shown to cause skeletal muscle atrophy; a loss in force and power; and, in the first few weeks, a preferential atrophy of extensors over flexors. The atrophy primarily results from a reduced protein synthesis that is likely triggered by the removal of the antigravity load. Contractile proteins are lost out of proportion to other cellular proteins, and the actin thin filament is lost disproportionately to the myosin thick filament. The decline in contractile protein explains the decrease in force per cross-sectional area, whereas the thin-filament loss may explain the observed postflight increase in the maximal velocity of shortening in the type I and IIa fiber types. Importantly, the microgravity-induced decline in peak power is partially offset by the increased fiber velocity. Muscle velocity is further increased by the microgravity-induced expression of fast-type myosin isozymes in slow fibers (hybrid I/II fibers) and by the increased expression of fast type II fiber types. SF increases the susceptibility of skeletal muscle to damage, with the actual damage elicited during postflight reloading. Evidence in rats indicates that SF increases fatigability and reduces the capacity for fat oxidation in skeletal muscles. Future studies will be required to establish the cellular and molecular mechanisms of the SF-induced muscle atrophy and functional loss and to develop effective exercise countermeasures.

short duration↗

Calculation of Centrally Loaded Thin-Walled Columns Above the Buckling Limit

When thin-walled columns formed from flanged sheet, such as used in airplane construction, are subjected to axial load, their behavior at failure varies according to the slenderness ratio. On long columns the axis deflects laterally while the cross section form is maintained; buckling results. The respective breaking load in the elastic range is computed by Euler's formula and for the plastic range by the Engesser- Karman formula. Its magnitude is essentially dependent upon the length. On intermediate length columns, especially where open sections are concerned, the cross section is distorted while the cross section form is preserved; twisting failure results. The buckling load in twisting is calculated according to Wagner and Kappus. On short columns the straight walls of low-bending resistance that form the column are deflected at the same time that the cross section form changes - buckling occurs without immediate failure. Then the buckling load of the total section computable from the buckling loads of the section walls is not the ultimate load; quite often, especially on thin-walled sections, it lies considerably higher and is secured by tests. Both loads, the buckling and the ultimate load are only in a small measure dependent upon length. The present report is an attempt to theoretically investigate the behavior of such short, thin-walled columns above the buckling load with the conventional calculating methods.

Reinitzhuber, F.↗

Prop-fan airfoil icing characteristics

An icing test program was carried out during the 1986-87 and 1987-88 icing seasons at the Fluidyne Icing Tunnel. The testing consisted of evaluating the icing characteristics and aerodynamic performance characteristics of two thin, two-dimensional airfoil sections. The two airfoils were a NACA Series 16-203 and a Hamilton Standard PF1-304, 3 and 4 percent thickness-to-chord ratio airfoils, respectively. These airfoils are representative of the thin airfoils currently being evaluated for Prop-Fan propulsion systems. The tests were conducted over a wide range of icing conditions, angles-of-attack, and Mach numbers (0.3 to 0.8).

Pike, J. A.↗

Mixed finite element models for free vibrations of thin-walled beams

Simple, mixed finite element models are developed for the free vibration analysis of curved thin-walled beams with arbitrary open cross section. The analytical formulation is based on a Vlasov's type thin-walled beam theory with the effects of flexural-torsional coupling, transverse shear deformation and rotary inertia included. The fundamental unknowns consist of seven internal forces and seven generalized displacements of the beam. The element characteristic arrays are obtained by using a perturbed Lagrangian-mixed variational principle. Only C(sup o) continuity is required for the generalized displacements. The internal forces and the Lagrange multiplier are allowed to be discontinuous at interelement boundaries. Numerical results are presented to demonstrate the high accuracy and effectiveness of the elements developed. The standard of comparison is taken to be the solutions obtained by using 2-D plate/shell models for the beams.

Noor, Ahmed K.↗

Mixed finite element models for free vibrations of thin-walled beams

Simple, mixed finite element models are developed for the free vibration analysis of curved thin-walled beams with arbitrary open cross section. The analytical formulation is based on a Vlasov's type thin-walled beam theory with the effects of flexural-torsional coupling, transverse shear deformation and rotary inertia included. The fundamental unknowns consist of seven internal forces and seven generalized displacements of the beam. The element characteristic arrays are obtained by using a perturbed Lagrangian-mixed variational principle. Only C(sup o) continuity is required for the generalized displacements. The internal forces and the Lagrange multiplier are allowed to be discontinuous at interelement boundaries. Numerical results are presented to demonstrate the high accuracy and effectiveness of the elements developed. The standard of comparison is taken to be the solutions obtained by using 2-D plate/shell models for the beams.

Noor, Ahmed K.↗

Strength Tests of Thin-walled Duralumin Cylinders in Pure Bending

This report is the third of a series presenting the results of strengths tests on thin-walled cylinders and truncated cones of circular and elliptic section; it includes the results obtained from pure bending tests on 58 thin-walled duralumin cylinders of circular section with ends clamped to rigid bulkheads. The tests show that the stress on the extreme fiber at failure as calculated by the ordinary theory of bending is from 30 to 80 percent greater than the compressive stress at failure for thin-walled cylinders in compression. The tests also show that length/radius ratio has no consistent effect upon the bending strength and that the size of the wrinkles that form on the compression half of a cylinder in bending is approximately equal to the size of the wrinkles that form in the complete circumference of a cylinder of the same dimensions in compression.

CONES, TRUNCATED - STRENGTH TESTS↗

Asymmetric supersonic flow around cones with noncircular sections

The unsteady, compressible, single and double thin-layer, Navier-Stokes equations are used to solve for steady and unsteady, asymmetric, supersonic flow around pointed bodies with noncircular sections at high incidence and zero side slip. The equations are solved by using an implicit, upwind, flux-difference splitting finite-volume scheme. Since the flow is locally conical, the solutions are presented on a cross-flow plane at the axial station of unit. The grid is generated by using a modified Joukowski transformation. The computational applications cover noncircular sections with elliptic and diamond shapes. Unsteady asymmetric vortex shedding has been captured at large angles of attack. It is shown that for the same flow conditions and same cross-section fineness ratio, the diamond-section cones develop less flow asymmetry than the elliptic-section cones. Passive control of flow asymmetry was also demonstrated computationally.

Kandil, Osama A.↗

Rollable Corrugated Tubular Booms

A promising candidate for a new class of deployable composite boom is the COrrugated ROllable TUbular Boom (COROTUB), which is to be employed on future large space structures by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The COROTUB’s two corrugated thin shells form a closed section, which yields high bending and torsional stiffness, allowing for high dimensional stability. The corrugation geometry that dictates the boom cross-section shape was completely defined by closed-form analytical equations given a set of key design parameters. Parametric studies of two geometric variables were used to evaluate which parameters most influence the cross-section’s area moment of inertia and torsional constant. The number of corrugations, flattened height of the boom, and concave and convex corrugation radii were varied to study the complete boom design space. Deeper corrugations increased the local buckling (crimpling) loads of the thin-shell boom but reduced the area moment of inertia and therefore the global buckling load of the beam-column member, and thus a fine balance was sought. Finite element analyses of pure bending and compression load cases for short, 1.22-m-long fully-deployed booms ofeither the same size (flattened height) or similar inertia properties, were first carried out to efficiently study this design trade-off in detail.A second computational study evaluated the boom transition shape and the structural response of a 6-m-long partially-deployed boom, where the effects of partially bracing the root of the boom were also assessed. It was found that bracing length could greatly affect the strength and stiffness of this boom.Bracing type (as in the discrete number of clamps at the root) had no effect on stiffness, but particularly impacted strength for loading cases and boundary conditions that promoted the onset of local web buckling at the root. The corrugated designs were also found to improve, by as much as 20%, the boom bending and axial strength and boom transition length from flat to deployed when compared to a state-of-the-art boom alternative of the same size, for short bracing distances, such as those that would be required by small satellite applications. In addition, they showed a comparable structural response for longer bracing supports.

Booms↗

Strength Tests of Thin-Walled Duralumin Cylinders in Compression

This report is the second of a series presenting the results of strength tests of thin-walled duralumin cylinders and truncated cones of circular and elliptic section. It contains the results obtained from compression tests on 45 thin-walled duralumin cylinders of circular section with ends clamped to rigid bulkheads. In addition to the tests on duralumin cylinders, there are included the results of numerous tests on rubber, celluloid, steel, and brass cylinders obtained from various sources.

Lundquist, Eugene E↗