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NASA NTRS1985

A General-applications Direct Global Matrix Algorithm for Rapid Seismo-acoustic Wavefield Computations

A new matrix method for rapid wave propagation modeling in generalized stratified media, which has recently been applied to numerical simulations in diverse areas of underwater acoustics, solid earth seismology, and nondestructive ultrasonic scattering is explained and illustrated. A portion of recent efforts jointly undertaken at NATOSACLANT and NORDA Numerical Modeling groups in developing, implementing, and testing a new fast general-applications wave propagation algorithm, SAFARI, formulated at SACLANT is summarized. The present general-applications SAFARI program uses a Direct Global Matrix Approach to multilayer Green's function calculation. A rapid and unconditionally stable solution is readily obtained via simple Gaussian ellimination on the resulting sparsely banded block system, precisely analogous to that arising in the Finite Element Method. The resulting gains in accuracy and computational speed allow consideration of much larger multilayered air/ocean/Earth/engineering material media models, for many more source-receiver configurations than previously possible. The validity and versatility of the SAFARI-DGM method is demonstrated by reviewing three practical examples of engineering interest, drawn from ocean acoustics, engineering seismology and ultrasonic scattering.

Schmidt, H.↗

NASA NTRS1988

Piezoelectric polymer-based isolation mount for articulated pointing systems on large flexible spacecraft

When a pointing system is attached to a large flexible body that is subject to continuous excitation, a mechanical isolator becomes a key element in achieving high performance. An active softmount based on the piezoelectric polymer poly (vinylidene fluoride) is considered here for use in a precision pointing system for Space Station. A finite element model of the softmount is developed and added to simple Space Station and payload models for performance analysis. Both linear frequency domain and nonlinear time domain simulations are carried out in order to demonstrate the wideband disturbance rejection capabilities of the design. Nonlinear geometric effects of large nodal deflections are also considered.

Sirlin, Samuel W.↗

NASA NTRS1989

Specially tailored transfinite-element formulations for hyperbolic heat conduction involving non-Fourier effects

The phenomenon of hyperbolic heat conduction in contrast to the classical (parabolic) form of Fourier heat conduction involves thermal energy transport that propagates only at finite speeds, as opposed to an infinite speed of thermal energy transport. To accommodate the finite speed of thermal wave propagation, a more precise form of heat flux law is involved, thereby modifying the heat flux originally postulated in the classical theory of heat conduction. As a consequence, for hyperbolic heat conduction problems, the thermal energy propagates with very sharp discontinuities at the wave front. Accurate solutions are found for a class of one-dimensional hyperbolic heat conduction problems involving non-Fourier effects that can be used effectively for representative benchmark tests and for validating alternate schemes. Modeling/analysis formulations via specially tailored hybrid computations are provided for accurately modeling the sharp discontinuities of the propagating thermal wave front. Comparative numerical test models are presented for various hyperbolic heat conduction models involving non-Fourier effects to demonstrate the present formulations.

Tamma, Kumar K.↗

NASA NTRS1992

Modeling radiation forces acting on satellites for precision orbit determination

Models of the TOPEX/Poseidon spacecraft are developed by means of finite-element analyses for use in generating acceleration histories for various orbit orientations which account for nonconservative radiation forces. The acceleration profiles are developed with an analysis based on the use of the 'box-wing' model in which the satellite is modeled as a combination of flat plates. The models account for the effects of solar, earth-albedo, earth-IR, and spacecraft-thermal radiation. The finite-element analysis gives the total force and induced accelerations acting on the satellite. The plate types used in the analysis have parameters that can be adjusted to optimize model performance according to the micromodel analysis and tracking observations. Acceleration related to solar radiation pressure is modeled effectively, and the techniques are shown to be useful for the precise orbit determinations required for spacecraft such as the TOPEX/Poseidon.

Marshall, J. A.↗

NASA NTRS1996

Modeling and analysis of the DSS-14 antenna control system

An improvement of pointing precision of the DSS-14 antenna is planned for the near future. In order to analyze the improvement limits and to design new controllers, a precise model of the antenna and the servo is developed, including a finite element model of the antenna structure and detailed models of the hydraulic drives and electronic parts. The DSS-14 antenna control system has two modes of operation: computer mode and precision mode. The principal goal of this investigation is to develop the model of the computer mode and to evaluate its performance. The DSS-14 antenna computer model consists of the antenna structure and drives in azimuth and elevation. For this model, the position servo loop is derived, and simulations of the closed-loop antenna dynamics are presented. The model is significantly different from that for the 34-m beam-waveguide antennas.

Gawronski, W.↗

NASA NTRS1996

Modeling and Analysis of the DSS-14 Antenna Control System

Gawronski, W.↗

NASA NTRS1987

Predicting False Lock in Phase-Locked Loops

Theoretical paper discusses advances in mathematical analysis of phase-locked loops. Presents new results in prediction of false locking. Interest to users of phase-lock circuits and to researchers seeking ways to detect or avoid false lock. Equations solved numerically by Newton-Raphson technique, with Jacobian computed by finite-difference scheme. Algorithm produces results limited only by precision of computer on which executed.

Reed, Bill↗

NASA NTRS1988

Prediction of high temperature metal matrix composite ply properties

The application of the finite element method (superelement technique) in conjunction with basic concepts from mechanics of materials theory is demonstrated to predict the thermomechanical behavior of high temperature metal matrix composites (HTMMC). The simulated behavior is used as a basis to establish characteristic properties of a unidirectional composite idealized an as equivalent homogeneous material. The ply properties predicted include: thermal properties (thermal conductivities and thermal expansion coefficients) and mechanical properties (moduli and Poisson's ratio). These properties are compared with those predicted by a simplified, analytical composite micromechanics model. The predictive capabilities of the finite element method and the simplified model are illustrated through the simulation of the thermomechanical behavior of a P100-graphite/copper unidirectional composite at room temperature and near matrix melting temperature. The advantage of the finite element analysis approach is its ability to more precisely represent the composite local geometry and hence capture the subtle effects that are dependent on this. The closed form micromechanics model does a good job at representing the average behavior of the constituents to predict composite behavior.

Caruso, J. J.↗

NASA NTRS2004

Theoretical and Experimental Investigation of the Stability of an Evaporating Constrained Vapor Bubble

The major accomplishments of the experimental portion of the research were documented in Ling Zheng's doctoral dissertation. Using Pentane, he obtained a considerable amount of data on the stability and heat transfer characteristics of an evaporating meniscus. The important points are that experimental equipment to obtain data on the stability and heat transfer characteristics of an evaporating meniscus were built and successfully operated. The data and subsequent analyses were accepted by the Journal of Heat Transfer for publication in 2004 [PU4]. The work was continued by a new graduate student using HFE-7000 [PU3] and then Pentane at lower heat fluxes. The Pentane results are being analyzed for publication. The experimental techniques are currently being used in our other NASA Grant. The oscillation of the contact line observed in the experiments involves evaporation (retraction part) and spreading. Since both processes occur with finite contact angles, it is important to derive a precise equation of the intermolecular forces (disjoining pressure) valid for non-zero contact angles. This theoretical derivation was accepted for publication by Journal of Fluid Mechanics [PU5]. The evaporation process near the contact line is complicated, and an idealized micro heat pipe has been proposed to help in elucidating the detailed evaporation process [manuscripts in preparation].

Wayner, P. C., Jr.↗

NASA NTRS2002

Design Through Manufacturing: The Solid Model-Finite Element Analysis Interface

State-of-the-art computer aided design (CAD) presently affords engineers the opportunity to create solid models of machine parts reflecting every detail of the finished product. Ideally, in the aerospace industry, these models should fulfill two very important functions: (1) provide numerical. control information for automated manufacturing of precision parts, and (2) enable analysts to easily evaluate the stress levels (using finite element analysis - FEA) for all structurally significant parts used in aircraft and space vehicles. Today's state-of-the-art CAD programs perform function (1) very well, providing an excellent model for precision manufacturing. But they do not provide a straightforward and simple means of automating the translation from CAD to FEA models, especially for aircraft-type structures. Presently, the process of preparing CAD models for FEA consumes a great deal of the analyst's time.

Rubin, Carol↗

NASA NTRS1988

A proposed method for enhanced eigen-pair extraction using finite element methods: Theory and application

The paper covers two distinct parts: theory and application. The goal of this work was the reduction of model size with an increase in eigenvalue/vector accuracy. This method is ideal for the condensation of large truss- or beam-type structures. The theoretical approach involves the conversion of a continuum transfer matrix beam element into an 'Exact' dynamic stiffness element. This formulation is implemented in a finite element environment. This results in the need to solve a transcendental eigenvalue problem. Once the eigenvalue is determined the eigenvectors can be reconstructed with any desired spatial precision. No discretization limitations are imposed on the reconstruction. The results of such a combined finite element and transfer matrix formulation is a much smaller FEM eigenvalue problem. This formulation has the ability to extract higher eigenvalues as easily and as accurately as lower eigenvalues. Moreover, one can extract many more eigenvalues/vectors from the model than the number of degrees of freedom in the FEM formulation. Typically, the number of eigenvalues accurately extractable via the 'Exact' element method are at least 8 times the number of degrees of freedom. In contrast, the FEM usually extracts one accurate (within 5 percent) eigenvalue for each 3-4 degrees of freedom. The 'Exact' element results in a 20-30 improvement in the number of accurately extractable eigenvalues and eigenvectors.

Jara-Almonte, J.↗

NASA NTRS2003

Design Through Manufacturing: The Solid Model - Finite Element Analysis Interface

State-of-the-art computer aided design (CAD) presently affords engineers the opportunity to create solid models of machine parts which reflect every detail of the finished product. Ideally, these models should fulfill two very important functions: (1) they must provide numerical control information for automated manufacturing of precision parts, and (2) they must enable analysts to easily evaluate the stress levels (using finite element analysis - FEA) for all structurally significant parts used in space missions. Today's state-of-the-art CAD programs perform function (1) very well, providing an excellent model for precision manufacturing. But they do not provide a straightforward and simple means of automating the translation from CAD to FEA models, especially for aircraft-type structures. The research performed during the fellowship period investigated the transition process from the solid CAD model to the FEA stress analysis model with the final goal of creating an automatic interface between the two. During the period of the fellowship a detailed multi-year program for the development of such an interface was created. The ultimate goal of this program will be the development of a fully parameterized automatic ProE/FEA translator for parts and assemblies, with the incorporation of data base management into the solution, and ultimately including computational fluid dynamics and thermal modeling in the interface.

Rubin, Carol↗

NASA NTRS1981

Determination of two-stroke engine exhaust noise by the method of characteristics

A computational technique was developed for the method of characteristics solution of a one-dimensional flow in a duct as applied to the wave action in an engine exhaust system. By using the method, it was possible to compute the unsteady flow in both straight pipe and tuned expansion chamber exhaust systems as matched to the flow from the cylinder of a small two-stroke engine. The radiated exhaust noise was then determined by assuming monopole radiation from the tailpipe outlet. Very good agreement with experiment on an operation engine was achieved in the calculation of both the third octave radiated noise and the associated pressure cycles at several locations in the different exhaust systems. Of particular interest is the significance of nonlinear behavior which results in wave steepening and shock wave formation. The method computes the precise paths on the x-t plane of a finite number of C(sub +), C(sub -) and P characteristics, thereby obtaining high accuracy in determining the tailpipe outlet velocity and the radiated noise.

Jones, A. D.↗

NASA NTRS1992

Going through a quantum phase

Phase measurements on a single-mode radiation field are examined from a system-theoretic viewpoint. Quantum estimation theory is used to establish the primacy of the Susskind-Glogower (SG) phase operator; its phase eigenkets generate the probability operator measure (POM) for maximum likelihood phase estimation. A commuting observables description for the SG-POM on a signal x apparatus state space is derived. It is analogous to the signal-band x image-band formulation for optical heterodyne detection. Because heterodyning realizes the annihilation operator POM, this analogy may help realize the SG-POM. The wave function representation associated with the SG POM is then used to prove the duality between the phase measurement and the number operator measurement, from which a number-phase uncertainty principle is obtained, via Fourier theory, without recourse to linearization. Fourier theory is also employed to establish the principle of number-ket causality, leading to a Paley-Wiener condition that must be satisfied by the phase-measurement probability density function (PDF) for a single-mode field in an arbitrary quantum state. Finally, a two-mode phase measurement is shown to afford phase-conjugate quantum communication at zero error probability with finite average photon number. Application of this construct to interferometric precision measurements is briefly discussed.

Shapiro, Jeffrey H.↗

NASA NTRS1984

Shape optimization including finite element grid adaptation

The prediction of optimal shape design for structures depends on having a sufficient level of precision in the computation of structural response. These requirements become critical in situations where the region to be designed includes stress concentrations or unilateral contact surfaces, for example. In the approach to shape optimization discussed here, a means to obtain grid adaptation is incorporated into the finite element procedures. This facility makes it possible to maintain a level of quality in the computational estimate of response that is surely adequate for the shape design problem.

Kikuchi, N.↗

NASA NTRS1995

KRESKA: A compression system for small and very large images

An effective lossless compression system for grayscale images is presented using finite context variable order Markov models. A new method to accurately estimate the probability of the escape symbol is proposed. The choice of the best model order and rules for selecting context pixels are discussed. Two context precision and two symbol precision techniques to handle noisy image data with Markov models are introduced. Results indicate that finite context variable order Markov models lead to effective lossless compression systems for small and very large images. The system achieves higher compression ratios than some of the better known image compression techniques such as lossless JPEG, JBIG, or FELICS.

Ohnesorge, Krystyna W.↗

NASA NTRS1980

Solution sensitivity and accuracy study of NASTRAN for large dynamic problems involving structural damping

Large dynamic problems involving NASTRAN SOLUTION 8 (i.e., the steady state dynamic response option wherein all response quantities vary as e sub i omega t, where omega is the driving frequency and t is time) are considered. Using a submerged steel plate with a viscoelastic layer layer as the bench mark sample, the solution sensitivity and solution accuracy are checked. The solution sensitivity is examined by running the same finite element model on different computers, different versions of NASTRAN, and different precision levels. The solution accuracy is evaluated for these same runs by comparing the NASTRAN results with the exact solution of the same problem.

Kalinowski, A. J.↗

NASA NTRS1979

On truncated expansion self-tuning regulation of a large AMCD

The one-dimensional wave equation models out of plane displacement of a flexible ring and with appropriate boundary conditions the solution is one of uncoupled modes. Identification and control of the behavior of these modes by means of a self-tuning regulator requires precise measurements of the ring shape. Aliasing of modes occurs from a finite number of sensors along the ring causing interference in the modal identification. Nonuniform sensors spacing allows for reduced aliasing effects but introduces spreading of the modes and provides inconsistent measurements. The homogeneous wave equation solution for modal time behavior aids in the separation of the aliasing effects, but difficulty arises when the ring is spinning past the sensors and control forces are being applied.

Hamm, A. L.↗