SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “Sensitivity Matrix”

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.

SourceResearch connectionFrom yearThrough year

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 505 records · Page 28

All sources NASA NTRS DOE OSTI

NASA NTRS1991

Probabilistic micromechanics and macromechanics of polymer matrix composites

A probabilistic evaluation of an eight ply graphite-epoxy quasi-isotropic laminate was completed using the Integrated Composite Analyzer (ICAN) in conjunction with Monte Carlo simulation and Fast Probability Integration (FPI) techniques. Probabilistic input included fiber and matrix properties, fiber misalignment, fiber volume ratio, void volume ratio, ply thickness and ply layup angle. Cumulative distribution functions (CDFs) for select laminate properties are given. To reduce the number of simulations, a Fast Probability Integration (FPI) technique was used to generate CDFs for the select properties in the absence of fiber misalignment. These CDFs were compared to a second Monte Carlo simulation done without fiber misalignment effects. It was found that FPI requires fewer simulations to obtain the cumulative distribution functions as opposed to Monte Carlo simulation techniques. Furthermore, FPI provides valuable information regarding the sensitivities of composite properties to the constituent properties, fiber volume ratio and void volume ratio.

Mase, G. T.↗

NASA NTRS1991

Probabilistic micromechanics and macromechanics of polymer matrix composites

Mase, G. T.↗

NASA NTRS1993

Space transportation vehicle design evaluation using saturated designs

An important objective in the preliminary design and evaluation of space transportation vehicles is to find the best values of design variables that optimize the performance characteristic (e.g. dry weight). For a given configuration, the vehicle performance can be determined by the use of complex sizing and performance evaluation computer programs. These complex computer programs utilize iterative algorithms and they are generally too expensive and/or difficult to use directly in multidisciplinary design optimization. An alternative is to use response surface methodology (RSM) and obtain quadratic polynomial approximations to the functional relationships between performance characteristics and design variables. In RSM, these approximation models are then used to determine optimum design parameter values and for rapid sensitivity studies. Constructing a second-order model requires that 'n' design parameters be studied at least at 3 levels (values) so that the coefficients in the model can be estimated. There, 3(n) factorial experiments (point designs or observations) may be necessary. For small values of 'n' such as two or three, this design works well. However, when a large number of design parameters are under study, the number of design points required for a full-factorial design may become excessive. Fortunately, these quadratic polynomial approximations can be obtained by selecting an efficient design matrix using central composite designs (CCD) from design of experiments theory. Each unique point design from the CCD matrix is then conducted using computerized analysis tools (e.g. POST, CONSIZ, etc.). In the next step, least squares regression analysis is used to calculate the quadratic polynomial coefficients from the data. However, in some multidisciplinary applications involving a large number of design variables and several disciplines, the computerized performance synthesis programs may get too time consuming and expensive to run even with the use of efficient central composite designs. In such cases, it may be preferable to keep the number of design points to an absolute minimum and trade some model accuracy with cost. For this purpose, another class of experimental designs, called saturated D-optimal designs may be utilized for generating a matrix of vehicle designs. A design is called saturated when the number of design points is exactly equal to the number of terms in the model to be fitted. As a result, saturated designs require the absolute minimum number of design points ((n+1)(n+2)/s) to estimate the quadratic polynomial model coefficients. Saturated designs can be generated using the D-optimality criterion. A good saturated design should give rise to least squares estimates with minimum generalized variance.

Unal, Resit↗

NASA NTRS1988

Determination of ammonium ion by fluorometry or spectrophotometry after on-line derivatization with o-phthalaldehyde

A fast, sensitive, simple, and highly reproducible method for routine assay of ammonium ion (NH4+) was developed by using HPLC equipment. The method is based on the reaction of NH4+ with o-phthalaldehyde (OPA) in the presence of 2-mercaptoethanol. After an on-line derivatization, the resulting NH4(+)-OPA product was quantified by using fluorometric or spectrophotometric detection. For fluorometric detection, the excitation and emission wavelengths were 410 and 470 nm, respectively. The spectrophotometric detection was made by measuring absorbance at 410 nm. Results on the effects of OPA-reagent composition and pH, reaction temperature, sample matrix, and linearity of the assay are presented. Even though it took about 2 min from the time of sample injection to the appearance of sample peak, sample injections could be overlapped at an interval of about 1 min. Thus, the actual time needed for analysis was about 1 min per assay. The method can be used in a fully automated mode by using an autosampler injector.

NASA Discipline Life Support Systems↗

NASA NTRS1992

Transverse flexural tests as a tool for assessing damage to PMR-15 composites from isothermal aging in air at elevated temperatures

To date, the effect of thermo-oxidative aging on unidirectional composite mechanical properties has been monitored by the measurement of interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) and either three or four point longitudinal flexural strength (LFS) of the composites being tested. Both results are affected by the fiber-to-matrix bonding, the former being dependent on the shear resistance of the interface and the latter on the degree of load sharing by the fibers through the fiber/matrix interface. Recently, fiber/matrix interfacial bond strengths have been monitored using a transverse flexural strength (TFS) test method. This test method was used to evaluate the effect of fiber surface treatment on the fiber/matrix bond. The interface bonding was varied in these tests using Hercules A-fibers with three-types of surfaces that produce bonds of poor, better, and good quality. The TFS was found not only to be sensitive to the bonding, but also to the aging time of unidirectional A-fiber/PMR-15 composites. This relationship reflects the mechanism by which the PMR-15 degrades during thermal aging.

Bowles, Kenneth J.↗

NASA NTRS1992

Systems level polarization modeling of multispectral space sensors

The 2-percent polarization sensitivity specification in many of NASA's Earth Observing System sensors has motivated Santa Barbara Research Center (SBRC) to develop computer programs that model the polarization characteristics of optical systems. In support of the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer program, SBRC has developed an analytical tool which unites the completed 3D lens design and coating designs to accurately predict an optical system's polarization characterization compensators, nonnormal incidence reflection and transmission from dichroic beam splitters and protected silver mirrors are analyzed without the need for proprietary coating prescriptions. The phenomenon of diattenuation and phase change are treated using the Jones matrix formalism.

Wells, Conrad↗

NASA NTRS1980

Theoretical treatment of the spin-orbit coupling in the rare gas oxides NeO, ArO, KrO, and XeO

Off-diagonal spin-orbit matrix elements are calculated as a function of internuclear distance for the rare gas oxides NeO, ArO, KrO, and XeO using the full microscopic spin-orbit Hamiltonian, including all one- and two-electron integrals, and POL-CI wave functions comparable to those of Dunning and Hay (1977). A good agreement was found when comparing these results in detail with the calculations of Cohen, Wadt and Hay (1979) that utilize an effective one-electron one-center spin-orbit operator. For the rare gas oxide molecules, it is suggested that the numerical results are a more sensitive test of the wave functions (particularly to the extent of charge transfer) than the exact evaluation of all terms in the full spin-orbit operator.

Langhoff, S. R.↗

NASA NTRS1991

The high temperature creep behavior of oxides and oxide fibers

A thorough review of the literature was conducted on the high-temperature creep behavior of single and polycrystalline oxides which potentially could serve as fiber reinforcements in ceramics or metal matrix applications. Sapphire when oriented with the basal plane perpendicular to the fiber axis (c-axis oriented) is highly creep resistant at temperatures in excess of 1600 C and applied loads of 100 MPa and higher. Pyramidal slip is preferentially activated in sapphire under these conditions and steady-state creep rates in the range of 10(exp -7) to 10 (exp -8)/s were reported. Data on the creep resistance of polycrystalline beryllia suggest that C-axiz oriented single crystal beryllia may be a viable candidate as a fiber reinforcement material; however, the issure of fabricability and moisture sensitivity must be addressed for this material. Yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG) also appears to be a fiber candidate material having a high resistance to creep which is due to it's complex crystal structure and high Peierl resistance. The high creep resistance of garnet suggests that there may be other complex ternary oxides such as single crystal mullite which may also be candidate materials for fiber reinforcements. Finally, CVD and single crystal SiC, although not oxides, do possess a high resistance to creep in the temperature range between 1550 and 1850 C and under stresses of 110 to 220 MPa. From a review of the literature, it appears that for high creep resistant applications sapphire, silicon carbide, yttrium aluminum garnet, mullite, and beryllia are desirable candidate materials which require further investigation.

Jones, Linda E.↗

NASA NTRS1998

Fibronectin is a survival factor for differentiated osteoblasts

The skeletal extracellular matrix produced by osteoblasts contains the glycoprotein fibronectin, which regulates the adhesion, differentiation and function of various adherent cells. Interactions with fibronectin are required for osteoblast differentiation in vitro, since fibronectin antagonists added to cultures of immature fetal calvarial osteoblasts inhibit their progressive differentiation. To determine if fibronectin plays a unique role in fully differentiated osteoblasts, cultures that had already formed mineralized nodules in vitro were treated with fibronectin antagonists. Fibronectin antibodies caused >95% of the cells in the mature cultures to display characteristic features of apoptosis (nuclear condensation, apoptotic body formation, DNA laddering) within 24 hours. Cells appeared to acquire sensitivity to fibronectin antibody-induced apoptosis as a consequence of differentiation, since antibodies failed to kill immature cells and the first cells killed were those associated with mature nodules. Intact plasma fibronectin, as well as fragments corresponding to the amino-terminal, cell-binding, and carboxy-terminal domains of fibronectin, independently induced apoptosis of mature (day-13), but not immature (day-4), osteoblasts. Finally, transforming growth factor-beta1 partially protected cells from the apoptotic effects of fibronectin antagonists. Thus, in the course of maturation cultured osteoblasts switch from depending on fibronectin for differentiation to depending on fibronectin for survival. These data suggest that fibronectin, together with transforming growth factor-beta1, may affect bone formation, in part by regulating the survival of osteoblasts.

NASA Center ARC↗

NASA NTRS1998

Globalized Newton-Krylov-Schwarz Algorithms and Software for Parallel Implicit CFD

Implicit solution methods are important in applications modeled by PDEs with disparate temporal and spatial scales. Because such applications require high resolution with reasonable turnaround, "routine" parallelization is essential. The pseudo-transient matrix-free Newton-Krylov-Schwarz (Psi-NKS) algorithmic framework is presented as an answer. We show that, for the classical problem of three-dimensional transonic Euler flow about an M6 wing, Psi-NKS can simultaneously deliver: globalized, asymptotically rapid convergence through adaptive pseudo- transient continuation and Newton's method-, reasonable parallelizability for an implicit method through deferred synchronization and favorable communication-to-computation scaling in the Krylov linear solver; and high per- processor performance through attention to distributed memory and cache locality, especially through the Schwarz preconditioner. Two discouraging features of Psi-NKS methods are their sensitivity to the coding of the underlying PDE discretization and the large number of parameters that must be selected to govern convergence. We therefore distill several recommendations from our experience and from our reading of the literature on various algorithmic components of Psi-NKS, and we describe a freely available, MPI-based portable parallel software implementation of the solver employed here.

Gropp, W. D.↗

NASA NTRS1999

Development of GENOA Progressive Failure Parallel Processing Software Systems

A capability consisting of software development and experimental techniques has been developed and is described. The capability is integrated into GENOA-PFA to model polymer matrix composite (PMC) structures. The capability considers the physics and mechanics of composite materials and structure by integration of a hierarchical multilevel macro-scale (lamina, laminate, and structure) and micro scale (fiber, matrix, and interface) simulation analyses. The modeling involves (1) ply layering methodology utilizing FEM elements with through-the-thickness representation, (2) simulation of effects of material defects and conditions (e.g., voids, fiber waviness, and residual stress) on global static and cyclic fatigue strengths, (3) including material nonlinearities (by updating properties periodically) and geometrical nonlinearities (by Lagrangian updating), (4) simulating crack initiation. and growth to failure under static, cyclic, creep, and impact loads. (5) progressive fracture analysis to determine durability and damage tolerance. (6) identifying the percent contribution of various possible composite failure modes involved in critical damage events. and (7) determining sensitivities of failure modes to design parameters (e.g., fiber volume fraction, ply thickness, fiber orientation. and adhesive-bond thickness). GENOA-PFA progressive failure analysis is now ready for use to investigate the effects on structural responses to PMC material degradation from damage induced by static, cyclic (fatigue). creep, and impact loading in 2D/3D PMC structures subjected to hygrothermal environments. Its use will significantly facilitate targeting design parameter changes that will be most effective in reducing the probability of a given failure mode occurring.

Abdi, Frank↗

NASA NTRS2003

Using Dual-wavelength Fiber Bragg Gratings for Temperature and Strain Sensing at Cryogenic Temperature

By using dual-wavelength fiber-optic Bragg gratings, a new technique has been developed for sensing both temperature and strain simultaneously in cryogenic temperature range. Two Bragg gratings with different wavelengths were inscribed at the same location in an optical fiber to form a dual-wavelength sensor. By measuring the wavelength shifts that resulted from the fiber being subjected to different temperatures and strains, the wavelength-dependent thermo-optic coefficients and photoelastic coefficients of the fiber were determined. These coefficients were used to construct the elements of the K matrix, which enables to determine inversely the strain and temperature changes by measuring the wavelength shifts of the dual-wavelength Bragg grating. In this study, measurements were made over the temperature range from room temperature down to about 10 K, addressing much of the low temperature range of cryogenic tanks. A structure transition of the optical fiber during the temperature change was found from about 70 K to 140 K. This transition caused splitting of the waveforms characterizing the Bragg gratings, and the determination of wavelength shifts was consequently complicated. Several alternatives are proposed to resolve this problem. The effectiveness and sensitivities of these measurements in different temperature ranges are discussed. The separation of two wavelengths for the dual-wavelength Bragg grating has been widened to increase the sensitivities of measurement; however, this separation can still be covered in the scanning range from single scanning laser.

Wu, Meng-Chou↗

NASA NTRS2019

Thermal History Mapping Technology for Turbine Engine Diagnostics

The infusion of ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) in next generation gas turbines represents daunting challenges as the failure of protective coating, known as Environmental Barrier Coating (EBC), means little remnant life of CMC components. Consequently reliable lifing is critical to the success of CMC components. Accurate thermal mapping of EBC in rig and engine test is of paramount importance because temperature is the most critical variable for EBC life. Current temperature measurement technologies include thermocouples, pyrometers, IR cameras, and thermal paints. Thermocouples require a passage to access the components and pyrometers and IR cameras require line-of-sight. Thermal paints are based on color-sensitive pigments that visually indicate the temperature that a component experienced. Thermal paints do not require line-of-sight, however, they have a low resolution and a limited temperature capability (~1400°C). Thermal history coating is based on oxide ceramic which luminesces when excited with a light source. The luminescence changes when the material's structure changes triggered by heat impact. The maximum temperature to which the material was exposed can be determined from the luminescence change. This paper describes the principles of this new technique and demonstrates its capabilities for EBCs exposed to excess of 1500°C.

Lee, Kang N.↗

NASA NTRS1993

Excitation rate coefficients and line ratios for the optical and ultraviolet transitions in S II

New calculations are reported for electron excitation collision strengths, rate coefficients, transition probabilities, and line ratios for the astrophysically important optical and UV lines in S II. The collision strengths are calculated in the close coupling approximation using the R-matrix method. The present calculations are more extensive than previous ones, including all transitions among the 12 lowest LS terms and the corresponding 28 fine-structure levels in the collisional-radiative model for S II. While the present rate coefficients for electron impact excitation are within 10-30 percent of the previous values for the low-lying optical transitions employed as density diagnostics of H II regions and nebulae, the excitation rates for the UV transitions 4S super 0 sub 3/2 - 4Psub 1/2,3/2,5/2 differ significantly from earlier calculations, by up to factor of 2. We describe temperature and density sensitive flux ratios for a number of UV lines. The present UV results are likely to be of interest in a more accurate interpretation of S II emission from the Io plasma torus in the magnetosphere of Jupiter, as well as other UV sources observed from the IUE, ASTRO 1, and the HST.

Cai, Wei↗

NASA NTRS1994

Nondestructive evaluation of fatigue damage in aluminum 2024 by x-ray diffraction

Aluminum alloys are widely used in the automobile and aerospace industries. This is due to their attractive low density-high modulus and low density-high strength characteristics. Unfortunately, cyclic stress-strain deformations alter the microstructure of aluminum alloys when they are placed into service. These structural changes can lead to fatigue damage and ultimately service failure. Since x-ray diffraction analysis is known to be a sensitive nondestructive indicator of structural changes due to deformations, this technique is being used to evaluate changes in the microstructure of cycled aluminum 2024 commercial alloys. Line shapes, widths, and positions in an x-ray diffraction pattern depend on microstructural properties such as grain size, grain orientation, residual stress, microstrain, etc. Changes in the microstructure due to fatigue will appear as changes in the diffraction pattern. One parameter used to characterize a reflection in a diffraction pattern is the full width at half maximum (FWHM). Preliminary x-ray diffraction results on cycled Al 2024 indicate that the (111) and (222) reflections of the matrix phase do not show any variations in the FWHM due to an increase in the fatigue cycles. However, the FWHM of the (200) and (400) reflections of the same phase unexpectedly showed a dramatic decrease. These results can be interpreted as due to the relaxation of some initial nonuniform residual stresses in the matrix phase lattice. Further work is in progress to evaluate the FWHM of the second phase of the cycled alloys.

Ferguson, Milton W.↗

NASA NTRS2016

The Potential for Ambient Plasma Wave Propulsion

A truly robust space exploration program will need to make use of in-situ resources as much as possible to make the endeavor affordable. Most space propulsion concepts are saddled with one fundamental burden; the propellant needed to produce momentum. The most advanced propulsion systems currently in use utilize electric and/or magnetic fields to accelerate ionized propellant. However, significant planetary exploration missions in the coming decades, such as the now canceled Jupiter Icy Moons Orbiter, are restricted by propellant mass and propulsion system lifetimes, using even the most optimistic projections of performance. These electric propulsion vehicles are inherently limited in flexibility at their final destination, due to propulsion system wear, propellant requirements, and the relatively low acceleration of the vehicle. A few concepts are able to utilize the environment around them to produce thrust: Solar or magnetic sails and, with certain restrictions, electrodynamic tethers. These concepts focus primarily on using the solar wind or ambient magnetic fields to generate thrust. Technically immature, quasi-propellantless alternatives lack either the sensitivity or the power to provide significant maneuvering. An additional resource to be considered is the ambient plasma and magnetic fields in solar and planetary magnetospheres. These environments, such as those around the Sun or Jupiter, have been shown to host a variety of plasma waves. Plasma wave propulsion takes advantage of an observed astrophysical and terrestrial phenomenon: Alfven waves. These are waves that propagate in the plasma and magnetic fields around and between planets and stars. The generation of Alfven waves in ambient magnetic and plasma fields to generate thrust is proposed as a truly propellantless propulsion system which may enable an entirely new matrix of exploration missions. Alfven waves are well known, transverse electromagnetic waves that propagate in magnetized plasmas at frequencies below the ion cyclotron frequency. They have been observed in both laboratory and astrophysical settings. On Earth, they are being investigated as a possible means for plasma heating, current drive, and momentum addition in magnetic confinement fusion systems. In addition, Alfven waves have been proposed as a mechanism for acceleration of the solar wind away from the sun.

THE POTENTIAL FOR AMBIENT PLASMA WAVE PROPULSION↗

NASA NTRS2002

Overview of NASA Multi-dimensional Stirling Convertor Code Development and Validation Effort

A NASA grant has been awarded to Cleveland State University (CSU) to develop a multi-dimensional (multi-D) Stirling computer code with the goals of improving loss predictions and identifying component areas for improvements. The University of Minnesota (UMN) and Gedeon Associates are teamed with CSU. Development of test rigs at UMN and CSU and validation of the code against test data are part of the effort. The one-dimensional (1-D) Stirling codes used for design and performance prediction do not rigorously model regions of the working space where abrupt changes in flow area occur (such as manifolds and other transitions between components). Certain hardware experiences have demonstrated large performance gains by varying manifolds and heat exchanger designs to improve flow distributions in the heat exchangers. 1-D codes were not able to predict these performance gains. An accurate multi-D code should improve understanding of the effects of area changes along the main flow axis, sensitivity of performance to slight changes in internal geometry, and, in general, the understanding of various internal thermodynamic losses. The commercial CFD-ACE code has been chosen for development of the multi-D code. This 2-D/3-D code has highly developed pre- and post-processors, and moving boundary capability. Preliminary attempts at validation of CFD-ACE models of MIT gas spring and "two space" test rigs were encouraging. Also, CSU's simulations of the UMN oscillating-flow fig compare well with flow visualization results from UMN. A complementary Department of Energy (DOE) Regenerator Research effort is aiding in development of regenerator matrix models that will be used in the multi-D Stirling code. This paper reports on the progress and challenges of this

Tew, Roy C.↗

NASA NTRS1995

The use of optimal polarizations for studying the microphysics of precipitation: Nonattenuating wavelengths

The objective of this work is to explore relationships between the microphysical properties of precipitation and optimal polarizations. The dependence of three optimal polarization parameters (asymmetry ratio A, optimal tilt tau(sub op), and optimal ellipticity epsilon(sub op) on the reflectivity-weighted mean drop shape, mean canting angle, and standard deviation of a Gaussian canting angle distribution is studied. This is accomplished by using computer simulations that provide the rms scattering matrix for an ensemble of canted drops with a prescribed two-parameter canting angle distribution. Also examined are the effects of propagation on the polarization parameters for nonattenuating wavelengths. The asymmetry ratio A is simply the ratio of the maximal to minimal total backscattered energy (ratio of the largest and smallest eigenvalue of the Graves power matrix G is identically equal to S dagger S). Similar to Z(sub DR), this ratio decreases with increasing mean axial ratio, but unlike Z(sub DR), it is not affected by canting (for a single drop). The dependence of A on the reflectivity-weighted mean drop shape is examined, and a power-law relationship similar to that which exists for Z(sub DR) is established. The asymmetry ratio A can be regarded as a generalization of Z(sub DR) because it requires only a measurement of linear depolarization ratio (in addition to Z(sub DR)), is independent of the propagation phase, and is less sensitive to canting. In a similar manner, the dependence of optimal ellipticity and tilt on the microphysical parameters is studied. In particular, it appears that the rms tilt of the optimal polarization ellipse is proportional to the variance of the canting angle distribution. Several other promising relationships between optimal polarizations and the microphysical variables of an ensemble of hydrometeors are also discussed.

Kwiatkowski, John M.↗