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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.

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At least 55 records · Page 3
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1994

Flight parameters monitoring system for tracking structural integrity of rotary-wing aircraft

Recent developments in advanced monitoring systems used in conjunction with tracking structural integrity of rotary-wing aircraft are explained. The paper describes: (1) an overview of rotary-wing aircraft flight parameters that are critical to the aircraft loading conditions and each parameter's specific requirements in terms of data collection and processing; (2) description of the monitoring system and its functions used in a survey of rotary-wing aircraft; and (3) description of the method of analysis used for the data. The paper presents a newly-developed method in compiling flight data. The method utilizes the maneuver sequence of events in several pre-identified flight conditions to describe various flight parameters at three specific weight ranges.

Mohammadi, Jamshid↗
NASA NTRS1975

Propulsion system structural integration and engine integrity; Proceedings of the Symposium, U.S. Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, Calif., September 3-6, 1974

Current problems involving the structural integrity of propulsion systems, and proposed approaches to solving them, are reviewed. Areas investigated include the stall hammershock at the engine inlet, distortion-induced vibration in fan and compressor blading, modeling engine static structures with conical-shell finite elements, design and development of low-cost, self-contained bearing lubrication systems for turbine engines, and roller bearing slip and skidding damage. Individual items are announced in this issue.

Walker, W. J.↗
DOE OSTI2024

GIS Supported Optimal Site Selection for Coastal Structure Integrated Wave Energy Converters: Preprint

There is an urgent need for adaptative engineering towards more resilient coastal communities, and Coastal Structure Integrated Wave Energy Converters (CSI-WECs) are a promising solution. CSI-WECs are wave energy converters (WECs) that are built into coastal protection structures, such as breakwaters. These devices provide the dual benefits of coastal protection and local energy production, and unlike other WECs, maximizing energy production is not always the main objective. CSI-WECs are located near the shore, where the wave resource is lower, thus site selection for these devices differs from the typical offshore WECs. Other attributes of a site that may be more important than wave power include existing coastal structures, port proximity, electric transmission line proximity, and location of disadvantaged communities. Geospatial information systems (GIS) interfaces can be used to easily visualize geospatial data that represents these difference kinds of criteria important for the determination of optimal marine energy sites. Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) is a geospatial analysis method that allows for the evaluation of multiple, usually overlapping, criteria. This project applies GIS-based MCDA methods to two distinct case studies in Puerto Rico and California for CSI-WEC site selection. The two study sites contrast in terms of wave resource, coastal hazards, and local energy needs. This research demonstrates the utility of applying an MCDA framework within GIS to facilitate efficient site selection for devices with unique characteristics in different use cases.

coastal protection↗
NASA NTRS1991

Structural integrity of wind tunnel wooden fan blades

Information is presented which was compiled by the NASA Inter-Center Committee on Structural Integrity of Wooden Fan Blades and is intended for use as a guide in design, fabrication, evaluation, and assurance of fan systems using wooden blades. A risk assessment approach for existing NASA wind tunnels with wooden fan blades is provided. Also, state of the art information is provided for wooden fan blade design, drive system considerations, inspection and monitoring methods, and fan blade repair. Proposed research and development activities are discussed, and recommendations are provided which are aimed at future wooden fan blade design activities and safely maintaining existing NASA wind tunnel fan blades. Information is presented that will be of value to wooden fan blade designers, fabricators, inspectors, and wind tunnel operations personnel.

Young, Clarence P., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS2012

Structural Integrity Testing Method for PRSEUS Rod-Wrap Stringer Design

NASA Langley Research Center and The Boeing Company are developing an innovative composite structural concept, called PRSEUS, for the flat center section of a future environmentally friendly hybrid wing body (HWB) aircraft. The PRSEUS (Pultruded Rod Stitched Efficient Unitized Structure) concept uses dry textile preforms for the skins, frames, and stiffener webs. The highly loaded stiffeners are made from precured unidirectional carbon/epoxy rods and dry fiber preforms. The rods are wrapped with the dry fiber preforms and a resin infusion process is used to form the rod-wrap stiffeners. The structural integrity of the rod-wrap interface is critical for maintaining the panel s high strength and bending rigidity. No standard testing method exists for testing the strength of the rod-wrap bondline. Recently, Boeing proposed a rod push-out testing method and conducted some preliminary tests using this method. This paper details an analytical study of the rod-wrap bondline. The rod-wrap interface is modeled as a cohesive zone for studying the initiation and growth of interfacial debonding during push-out testing. Based on the correlations of analysis results and Boeing s test data, the adequacy of the rod-wrap testing method is evaluated, and potential approaches for improvement of the test method are proposed.

Wang, John T.↗
NASA NTRS1979

ATLAS, an integrated structural analysis and design system. Volume 3: User's manual, input and execution data

The input data and execution control statements for the ATLAS integrated structural analysis and design system are described. It is operational on the Control Data Corporation (CDC) 6600/CYBER computers in a batch mode or in a time-shared mode via interactive graphic or text terminals. ATLAS is a modular system of computer codes with common executive and data base management components. The system provides an extensive set of general-purpose technical programs with analytical capabilities including stiffness, stress, loads, mass, substructuring, strength design, unsteady aerodynamics, vibration, and flutter analyses. The sequence and mode of execution of selected program modules are controlled via a common user-oriented language.

Dreisbach, R. L.↗
NASA NTRS1993

The impact of active controls technology on the structural integrity of aeronautical vehicles

The findings of an investigation conducted under the auspices of The Technical Cooperation Program (TTCP) to assess the impact of active controls technology on the structural integrity of aeronautical vehicles and to evaluate the present state-of-the-art for predicting loads caused by a flight-control system modification and the resulting change in the fatigue life of the flight vehicle are summarized. Important points concerning structural technology considerations implicit in applying active controls technology in new aircraft are summarized. These points are well founded and based upon information received from within the aerospace industry and government laboratories, acquired by sponsoring workshops which brought together experts from contributing and interacting technical disciplines, and obtained by conducting a case study to independently assess the state of the technology. The paper concludes that communication between technical disciplines is absolutely essential in the design of future high performance aircraft.

Noll, Thomas E.↗
NASA NTRS1974

Thermal and structural integration problems associated with primary electric propulsion

A typical solar electric propulsion (SEP) spacecraft design which meets challenges posed by the physical characteristics of SEP and by the operational and environmental requirements associated with missions for which SEP is advantageous is used to develop structural and thermal integration requirements which are important to the successful design of electric propulsion elements. Included are discussions on thruster and power processor thermal and structural integration requirements and the definition of representative environmental requirements. Next, an improved power processor packaging concept, referred to as dual shear plate packaging, is described and shown to meet these requirements. Continued development of a two-axis-gimbal thruster array is also described. This concept demonstrates the successful thermal and structural integration of thrusters, propellant feed system, and thrust-vector-control actuators into a modular thrust assembly which meets the needs of a broad range of missions and possible vehicle configurations. Details of this design concept are presented.

Ross, R. G., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1994

A new stochastic systems approach to structural integrity

This paper develops improved stochastic models for the description of a large variety of fatigue crack growth phenomena that occur in components of considerable importance to the functionality and reliability of complex engineering structures. In essence, the models are based on the McGill-Markov and Closure-Lognormal stochastic processes. Not only do these models have the capability of predicting the statistical dispersion of crack growth rates, they also, by incorporating the concept of crack closure, have the capability of transferring stochastic crack growth properties measured under ideal laboratory conditions to situations of industrial significance, such as those occurring under adverse loading and/or environmental conditions. The primary data required in order to be in a position to estimate the pertinent parameters of these stochastic models are obtained from a statistically significant number of replicate tests. In this paper, both the theory and the experimental technique are illustrated using a Ti-6Al-4V alloy. Finally, important structural integrity, reliability, availability and maintainability concepts are developed and illustrated.

Provan, James W.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Structural integrity and durability for Space Shuttle main engine and future reusable space propulsion systems

NASA is conducting a program which will establish a technology base for the orderly evolution of reusable space propulsion systems. As part of that program, NASA initiated a Structural Integrity and Durability effort for advanced high-pressure oxygen-hydrogen rocket engine technology. That effort focuses on the development of: (1) accurate analytical models to describe flow fields; aerothermodynamic loads; structural responses; and fatigue/fracture, from which life prediction codes can be evolved; and (2) advanced instrumentation with capabilities to verify the codes in an SSME-like environment as well as the potential for future use as diagnostic sensors for real-time condition monitoring of critical engine components.

Marsik, S. J.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Structural integrity and durability for Space Shuttle main engine and future reusable space propulsion systems

NASA is conducting a program which will establish a technology base for the orderly evolution of reusable space propulsion systems. As part of that program, NASA initiated a Structural Integrity and Durability effort for advanced high-pressure oxygen-hydrogen rocket engine technology. That effort focuses on the development of: (1) accurate analytical models to describe flow fields; aerothermodynamic loads; structural responses; and fatigue/fracture, from which life prediction codes can be evolved; and (2) advanced instrumentation with capabilities to verify the codes in an SSME-like environment as well as the potential for future use as diagnostic sensors for real-time condition monitoring of critical engine components.

Marsik, S. J.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Current DOT research on the effect of multiple site damage on structural integrity

Multiple site damage (MSD) is a type of cracking that may be found in aging airplanes and which may adversely affect their continuing airworthiness. The Volpe National Transportation Systems Center has supported the Federal Aviation Administration Technical Center on structural integrity research for the past two and half years. The work has focused on understanding the behavior of MSD, detection of MSD during airframe inspection, and the avoidance of MSD in future designs. These three elements of the MSD problem are addressed and a summary of the completed work, the current status, and requirements for future research.

Aging Aircraft↗
DOE OSTI2025

Investigating the quaternary structure of a homomultimeric catechol 1,2-dioxygenase: An integrative structural biology study

The structural analysis of catechol 1,2 dioxygenase from Stutzerimonas frequens GOM2, SfC12DO, was conducted using various structural techniques. SEC-SAXS experiments revealed that SfC12DO, after lyophilization and reconstitution processes, can form multiple enzymatically active oligomers, including dimers, tetramers, and octamers. These findings differ from previous studies, which reported active dimers in homologous counterparts with available crystallographic structures, or trimers observed exclusively in solution for SfC12DO and its homologous isoA C12DO from Acinetobacter radioresistens under low ionic strength conditions. In some cases, tetramers were also reported, such as for the Rodococcus erythropolis C12DO. The combined results of Small-Angle X-ray Scattering, Dynamic Light Scattering, and Transmission Electron Microscopy experiments provided additional insights into these active oligomers’ shape and molecular organization in an aqueous solution. These results highlight the oligomeric structural plasticity of SfC12DO, proving that it can exist in different oligomeric forms depending on the physicochemical characteristics of the solutions in which the experiments were performed. Remarkably, regardless of its oligomeric state, SfC12DO maintains its enzymatic activity even after prior lyophilization. All these characteristics make SfC12DO a putative candidate for bioremediation applications in polluted soils or waters.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
NASA NTRS1991

Fluorescence microscopy for the characterization of structural integrity

The absorption characteristics of light and the optical technique of fluorescence microscopy for enhancing metallographic interpretation are presented. Characterization of thermally sprayed coatings by optical microscopy suffers because of the tendency for misidentification of the microstructure produced by metallographic preparation. Gray scale, in bright field microscopy, is frequently the only means of differentiating the actual structural details of porosity, cracking, and debonding of coatings. Fluorescence microscopy is a technique that helps to distinguish the artifacts of metallographic preparation (pullout, cracking, debonding) from the microstructure of the specimen by color contrasting structural differences. Alternative instrumentation and the use of other dye systems are also discussed. The combination of epoxy vacuum infiltration with fluorescence microscopy to verify microstructural defects is an effective means to characterize advanced materials and to assess structural integrity.

Street, Kenneth W.↗
DOE OSTI2023

Atomistic‐Level Effects of Noncovalent Interactions and Crystalline Packing for Organic Material Structural Integrity upon Exposure to Gamma Radiation

Developing an atomistic understanding of ionizing radiation induced changes to organic materials is necessary for intentional design of greener and more sustainable materials for radiation shielding and detection. Cocrystals are promising for these purposes, but a detailed understanding of how the specific intermolecular interactions within the lattice upon exposure to radiation affect the structural stability of the organic crystalline material is unknown. This study evaluates atomistic-level effects of γ radiation on both single- and multicomponent organic crystalline materials and how specific noncovalent interactions and packing within the crystalline lattice enhance structural stability. Dose studies were performed on all crystalline systems and evaluated via experimental and computational methods. Changes in crystallinity were evaluated by p-XRD and free radical formation was analyzed via EPR spectroscopy. Type of intermolecular interactions and packing within the crystal lattice was delineated and related to the specific free radical species formed and the structural integrity of each material. Periodic DFT and HOMO-LUMO surface mapping calculations provided atomistic-level identifications of the most probable sites for the radicals formed upon exposure to γ radiation and relate intermolecular interactions and molecular packing within the crystalline lattice to experimental results.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
NASA NTRS1997

Analysis of Impact Induced Damage and its Effect on Structural Integrity of Space Flight Composite Overwrapped Pressure Vessels

The objective of this research work has been to provide analytical background and support to the ongoing experimental program at NASA, White Sands Test Facility, involving testing composite overwrapped pressure vessels (COPV) for impact damage and cyclic pressurization. Preliminary theoretical basis, including the governing equations for a shallow shell subjected to internal pressure, has been established. Effects of the Griffith type cracks on the structural integrity of the cylindrical vessel were evaluated by methods of Fracture Mechanics. The results indicate that the effective mass of the pressure vessel is an important factor influencing the response to impact events. We also have found that the material properties of the target, contained in the constitutive equations of the composite attached to the Aluminum liner, dominate the impact event in the low velocity range, the material properties become less important, while the target mass distribution and the impactor mass become more significant as the velocity of the impactor increases. Therefore, at high-velocity impact it is not only the kinetic energy of the impactor but also its mass which has a significant effect on the dynamics of the event, and consequently on the induced damage. This work also suggests a methodology for an assessment of the rate of loading effects on the degradation of the material toughness associated with a high-velocity impact where the rate effects become significant. To model the rate dependence of the material response a viscoelastic-plastic constitutive equations were assumed, and on this basis predictions are made regarding the rate dependent material resistance curve. Other dynamic phenomena associated with the impact event have been treated in the framework of the Computational Mechanics using the courtesy of Prof. P. Guebelle and his graduate student at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign who have an access to a super-fast computer located on their campus. Finally, the guidelines for a follow-up research program are provided in the body of this report. They address three major areas: theoretical research, numerical studies, and further experimental work.

Wnuk, Michael P.↗
DOE OSTI2024

Finite element procedure for thermomechanical and structural integrity analysis of beam intercepting devices subjected to free electron laser

High-energy particles, including photons (x-ray, γ-ray, bremsstrahlung), electrons, and protons, possess the capability to penetrate materials and deposit energy within them. The degree of absorption depends on both the energy and type of particles, as well as the properties of the materials with which they interact. This energy deposition can manifest either at the material's surface or throughout its volume, potentially resulting in various failure modes. The primary aim of this paper is to establish a structured analysis methodology for evaluating the structural integrity of beam-intercepting devices when subjected to high-energy particles. Here, the paper also reviews some of the underlying physics, pertinent to the scope of the thermomechanical analysis, potential failure modes, and introduces verification and validation methodologies. Engineers and researchers can utilize the guidelines presented in this paper to effectively plan the development of beam intercepting devices, thereby ensuring their reliability and performance in the presence of high-energy particle exposure.

Finite element analysis↗