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At least 559 records · Page 31

Maximum dynamic responses using matched filter theory and random process theory

This paper describes and illustrates two ways of performing time-correlated gust-load calculations. The first is based on Matched Filter Theory; the second on Random Process Theory. The two yield theoretically identical results and both employ novel applications of the theories and unconventional interpretations of the intermediate and final results. Both approaches are computationally fast and are general enough to be applied to dynamic-response problems other than gust loads. A brief mathematical development and example calculations using both Matched Filter Theory and Random Process Theory are presented.

Pototzky, Anthony S.↗

Design and analysis of a ten-turbine floating wind farm with shared mooring lines

This paper discusses the development and analysis of a novel design for a 10-turbine floating wind farm with shared mooring lines. Shared mooring lines tether adjacent floating platforms together, reducing the number of anchors required but increasing system complexity. We present a systematic, multistage design process for shared mooring systems, involving linearized analysis of array layout options, quasi-static mooring line optimization, and design refinement based on coupled dynamic loads analysis. The design developed from this process is thought to represent one of the most advantageous shared-mooring configurations for this scale of floating wind array. It features perpendicular anchor line pairs and allows shared, multiline anchors, making it an example of a shared-mooring-and-anchor array. Comparing the performance and cost characteristics of the shared-mooring design with more conventional three-line individual mooring systems shows equivalent dynamic response characteristics and stationkeeping system cost savings of 25% when using shared mooring lines and shared anchors. The design is also advantageous in the case of a mooring line failure, with offsets and redundancy characteristics similar to four-line individual mooring systems.

17 WIND ENERGY↗

Optimum structural sizing for gust induced response

The present paper describes an optimization capability for sizing airframe structures that are subjected to a combination of deterministic and random loads. Design constraints are implemented to prevent structural failure in fatigue and due to a single exceedance of the allowable stress. The random load is treated as a stationary, homogeneous process with a Gaussian probability distribution, and a frequency domain method is used for the computation of dynamic response parameters. An equal-probability-of-load-combination criterion is proposed in the formulation of strength constraints. This alleviates problems associated with the incomplete phase information available when using power spectral density methods. The optimization procedure is illustrated by examples using typical built-up structures.

Hajela, P.↗

Rapid Prototyping Integrated With Nondestructive Evaluation and Finite Element Analysis

Most reverse engineering approaches involve imaging or digitizing an object then creating a computerized reconstruction that can be integrated, in three dimensions, into a particular design environment. Rapid prototyping (RP) refers to the practical ability to build high-quality physical prototypes directly from computer aided design (CAD) files. Using rapid prototyping, full-scale models or patterns can be built using a variety of materials in a fraction of the time required by more traditional prototyping techniques (refs. 1 and 2). Many software packages have been developed and are being designed to tackle the reverse engineering and rapid prototyping issues just mentioned. For example, image processing and three-dimensional reconstruction visualization software such as Velocity2 (ref. 3) are being used to carry out the construction process of three-dimensional volume models and the subsequent generation of a stereolithography file that is suitable for CAD applications. Producing three-dimensional models of objects from computed tomography (CT) scans is becoming a valuable nondestructive evaluation methodology (ref. 4). Real components can be rendered and subjected to temperature and stress tests using structural engineering software codes. For this to be achieved, accurate high-resolution images have to be obtained via CT scans and then processed, converted into a traditional file format, and translated into finite element models. Prototyping a three-dimensional volume of a composite structure by reading in a series of two-dimensional images generated via CT and by using and integrating commercial software (e.g. Velocity2, MSC/PATRAN (ref. 5), and Hypermesh (ref. 6)) is being applied successfully at the NASA Glenn Research Center. The building process from structural modeling to the analysis level is outlined in reference 7. Subsequently, a stress analysis of a composite cooling panel under combined thermomechanical loading conditions was performed to validate this process.

Abdul-Aziz, Ali↗

Effect of stitching on the strength of bonded composite single lap joints

An experimental investigation has been conducted to determine the effect of stitching on the static and fatigue failure load of bonded composite single lap joints. The variables considered in the static tests included adherend thickness, overlap length, stitch spacing, and number of rows of stitches. A limited fatigue program was conducted for one configuration to compare the fatigue life of stitched and unstitched joints. Up to a 38 percent improvement in static failure load and an order of magnitude increase in fatigue life compared with unstiffened results are obtained by a single row of stitches near the end of the overlap. Additional rows of stitching or different stitch spacing has little effect on static joint failure load. Thicker adherends and larger overlap length result in larger improvements in static failure load with stitching. Further research is needed to refine the stitching process in order to obtain the maximum improvements in joint failure load.

Sawyer, J. W.↗

Aerolastic tailoring and integrated wing design

Much has been learned from the TSO optimization code over the years in determining aeroelastic tailoring's place in the integrated design process. Indeed, it has become apparent that aeroelastic tailoring is and should be deeply embedded in design. Aeroelastic tailoring can have tremendous effects on the design loads, and design loads affect every aspect of the design process. While optimization enables the evaluation of design sensitivities, valid computational simulations are required to make these sensitivities valid. Aircraft maneuvers simulated must adequately cover the plane's intended flight envelope, realistic design criteria must be included, and models among the various disciplines must be calibrated among themselves and with any hard-core (e.g., wind tunnel) data available. The information gained and benefits derived from aeroelastic tailoring provide a focal point for the various disciplines to become involved and communicate with one another to reach the best design possible.

Love, Mike H.↗

Regression Analysis and Calibration Recommendations for the Characterization of Balance Temperature Effects

Analysis and use of temperature-dependent wind tunnel strain-gage balance calibration data are discussed in the paper. First, three different methods are presented and compared that may be used to process temperature-dependent strain-gage balance data. The first method uses an extended set of independent variables in order to process the data and predict balance loads. The second method applies an extended load iteration equation during the analysis of balance calibration data. The third method uses temperature-dependent sensitivities for the data analysis. Physical interpretations of the most important temperature-dependent regression model terms are provided that relate temperature compensation imperfections and the temperature-dependent nature of the gage factor to sets of regression model terms. Finally, balance calibration recommendations are listed so that temperature-dependent calibration data can be obtained and successfully processed using the reviewed analysis methods.

wind tunnel test↗

Simple, Scalable, Script-Based Science Processor (S4P)

The development and deployment of data processing systems to process Earth Observing System (EOS) data has proven to be costly and prone to technical and schedule risk. Integration of science algorithms into a robust operational system has been difficult. The core processing system, based on commercial tools, has demonstrated limitations at the rates needed to produce the several terabytes per day for EOS, primarily due to job management overhead. This has motivated an evolution in the EOS Data Information System toward a more distributed one incorporating Science Investigator-led Processing Systems (SIPS). As part of this evolution, the Goddard Earth Sciences Distributed Active Archive Center (GES DAAC) has developed a simplified processing system to accommodate the increased load expected with the advent of reprocessing and launch of a second satellite. This system, the Simple, Scalable, Script-based Science Processor (S42) may also serve as a resource for future SIPS. The current EOSDIS Core System was designed to be general, resulting in a large, complex mix of commercial and custom software. In contrast, many simpler systems, such as the EROS Data Center AVHRR IKM system, rely on a simple directory structure to drive processing, with directories representing different stages of production. The system passes input data to a directory, and the output data is placed in a "downstream" directory. The GES DAAC's Simple Scalable Script-based Science Processing System is based on the latter concept, but with modifications to allow varied science algorithms and improve portability. It uses a factory assembly-line paradigm: when work orders arrive at a station, an executable is run, and output work orders are sent to downstream stations. The stations are implemented as UNIX directories, while work orders are simple ASCII files. The core S4P infrastructure consists of a Perl program called stationmaster, which detects newly arrived work orders and forks a job to run the appropriate executable (registered in a configuration file for that station). Although S4P is written in Perl, the executables associated with a station can be any program that can be run from the command line, i.e., non-interactively. An S4P instance is typically monitored using a simple Graphical User Interface. However, the reliance of S4P on UNIX files and directories also allows visibility into the state of stations and jobs using standard operating system commands, permitting remote monitor/control over low-bandwidth connections. S4P is being used as the foundation for several small- to medium-size systems for data mining, on-demand subsetting, processing of direct broadcast Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) data, and Quick-Response MODIS processing. It has also been used to implement a large-scale system to process MODIS Level 1 and Level 2 Standard Products, which will ultimately process close to 2 TB/day.

Lynnes, Christopher↗

Mean stress and the exhaustion of fatigue-damage resistance

Mean-stress effects on fatigue life are critical in isothermal and thermomechanically loaded materials and composites. Unfortunately, existing mean-stress life-prediction methods do not incorporate physical fatigue damage mechanisms. An objective is to examine the relation between mean-stress induced damage (as measured by acoustic emission) and existing life-prediction methods. Acoustic emission instrumentation has indicated that, as with static yielding, fatigue damage results from dislocation buildup and motion until dislocation saturation is reached, after which void formation and coalescence predominate. Correlation of damage processes with similar mechanisms under monotonic loading led to a reinterpretation of Goodman diagrams for 40 alloys and a modification of Morrow's formulation for life prediction under mean stresses. Further testing, using acoustic emission to monitor dislocation dynamics, can generate data for developing a more general model for fatigue under mean stress.

Berkovits, Avraham↗

Interactive Management and Updating of Spatial Data Bases

The decision making process, whether for power plant siting, load forecasting or energy resource planning, invariably involves a blend of analytical methods and judgement. Management decisions can be improved by the implementation of techniques which permit an increased comprehension of results from analytical models. Even where analytical procedures are not required, decisions can be aided by improving the methods used to examine spatially and temporally variant data. How the use of computer aided planning (CAP) programs and the selection of a predominant data structure, can improve the decision making process is discussed.

French, P.↗

Bio-Optics of the Chesapeake Bay from Measurements and Radiative Transfer Calculations

We combined detailed bio-optical measurements and radiative transfer (RT) modeling to perform an optical closure experiment for optically complex and biologically productive Chesapeake Bay waters. We used this experiment to evaluate certain assumptions commonly used when modeling bio-optical processes, and to investigate the relative importance of several optical characteristics needed to accurately model and interpret remote sensing ocean-color observations in these Case 2 waters. Direct measurements were made of the magnitude, variability, and spectral characteristics of backscattering and absorption that are critical for accurate parameterizations in satellite bio-optical algorithms and underwater RT simulations. We found that the ratio of backscattering to total scattering in the mid-mesohaline Chesapeake Bay varied considerably depending on particulate loading, distance from land, and mixing processes, and had an average value of 0.0128 at 530 nm. Incorporating information on the magnitude, variability, and spectral characteristics of particulate backscattering into the RT model, rather than using a volume scattering function commonly assumed for turbid waters, was critical to obtaining agreement between RT calculations and measured radiometric quantities. In situ measurements of absorption coefficients need to be corrected for systematic overestimation due to scattering errors, and this correction commonly employs the assumption that absorption by particulate matter at near infrared wavelengths is zero.

Tzortziou, Maria↗

Space Shuttle Cargo Integration Coupled Loads Analysis Lessons Learned

When a system experiences a loading environment characterized by rapidly varying forces, such as a rocket launch, a transient analysis is used to analyze the response of the system. The most common transient analysis methodology is the Coupled Loads Analysis(CLA). CLAs are used by the automotive and aerospace industry to analyze cars, trucks,planes, helicopters, spacecraft, etc. The Space Shuttle program used the CLA methodology to assess the compatibility of the payload with the Orbiter and the flight environment. The Space Shuttle Verification Loads Analysis (VLA) was a standardized CLA process that started between ten and thirteen months prior to launch, and included several meetings as well as analysis by both the Space Shuttle Program and the payload developers to verify that the payloads were compatible with the flight loads environment and would not interact negatively with the vehicle. Over the course of the Space Shuttle Program, many improvements were made to the process, which reduced cycle time and improved manifest flexibility. There were several issues which were never fully addressed, but work-arounds were developed to keep the process flowing. The lessons learned included automation of some processes and standardization of others, early assessments, improved documentation and better coordination with all stakeholders in the process. Lessons learned also included the limitations in the current process, and what to do to avoid the same issues.

ERICA E. BRUNO↗

Space Shuttle Cargo Integration Coupled Loads Analysis Lessons Learned

When a system experiences a loading environment characterized by rapidly varying forces, such as a rocket launch, a transient analysis is used to analyze the response of the system. The most common transient analysis methodology is the Coupled Loads Analysis (CLA). CLAs are used by the automotive and aerospace industry to analyze cars, trucks, planes, helicopters, spacecraft, etc. The Space Shuttle program used the CLA methodology to assess the compatibility of the payload with the Orbiter and the flight environment. The Space Shuttle Verification Loads Analysis (VLA) was a standardized CLA process that started between ten and thirteen months prior to launch, and included several meetings as well as analysis by both the Space Shuttle Program and the payload developers to verify that the payloads were compatible with the flight loads environment and would not interact negatively with the vehicle. Over the course of the Space Shuttle Program, many improvements were made to the process, which reduced cycle time and improved manifest flexibility. There were several issues which were never fully addressed, but workarounds were developed to keep the process flowing. The lessons learned included automation of some processes and standardization of others, early assessments, improved documentation and better coordination with all stakeholders in the process. Lessons learned also included the limitations in the current process, and what to do to avoid the same issues in the future.

Erica E. Bruno↗

GeoMelt{sup R} In-Container Vitrification (ICV){sup TM} for Fukushima Daiichi Water Treatment Secondary Wastes - 20212

The Japanese government is supporting development work implemented jointly by Veolia subsidiaries Kurion Japan, K.K., Veolia Nuclear Solutions (VNS), Inc., and Veolia Nuclear Solutions Federal Services, LLC for treating radioactive waste generated from Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station (NPS) water treatment using the GeoMelt{sup TM} In-Container Vitrification (ICV){sup TM} technology. The initial work consisted of glass formulation and engineering-scale testing which was completed in 2018, in the frame of an IRID (International Research Institute for Nuclear Decommissioning) program as part of a project subsidized by Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI). The Fukushima Daiichi NPS Mid- and Long-Term Road-map requires investigation of methods to stabilize solid wastes (and to immobilize radioisotopes in the wastes) generated as a result of emergency response and decommissioning activities. Cooling water treatment has resulted in a significant amount of solid and slurry secondary wastes (mostly adsorbents and ion-exchange materials) which will require processing at some point. GeoMelt{sup R} ICV{sup TM} is a joule-heated melter technology which uses a refractory-lined single-use container combining the melter and disposal container. There is no pouring required nor concerns with refractory corrosion which allows the process to accommodate a wide range of waste chemistries and high waste loadings. The testing described here consisted of three engineering-scale melts, each processing between 212 kg and 240 kg of waste simulants, glass formers, and non-radioactive cesium (Cs) and strontium (Sr) tracers. Continuous isokinetic stack sampling of off-gas emissions was performed for each test in order to calculate Cs and Sr retention in the glass wasteform. Single-pass retention of Cs in the final glass wasteform ranged from 91.46 to 99.30%, and single-pass retention of Sr ranged from 99.76 to 100%. Planned particulate recycle will increase these retention levels. Melt 1 processed a mixture of KUR-EH (a zeolite-based ion-exchange material), simulated Advanced Liquid Processing System (ALPS) Carbonate and Iron Slurries, and glass additives. Melt 2 processed a mixture of KUR-EH, KUR-TSG (a titanate-based adsorbent), and glass additives. Melt 3 processed a mixture of KUR-EH, simulated barium sulfate/iron ferrocyanide sludge (AREVA sludge), and glass additives. Waste loadings for these melts ranged from 70 weight percent (wt%) to 82 wt%. Vitrification produces a waste form much denser than the stored water treatment secondary waste wastes, resulting in significant volume reduction. Volume reductions for the three tests ranged from 74 to 79 vol%. Vitrification produces a chemically durable wasteform. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) tested three glass samples from each engineering-scale melt) by the Materials Characterization Center 1 (MCC-1) test, an international standard leach test of the chemical durability of nuclear waste glasses. PNNL also obtained one U.S. reference glass (EA Glass) and two Japan reference glasses P0798) and tested these under the same MCC-1 conditions (90 deg. C, 10 m-1, DIW, and 7, 14, 28-day) as the GeoMelt{sup R} ICV{sup TM} glasses. The GeoMelt{sup R} ICV{sup TM} glasses exhibited lower total normalized releases and 14- to 28-day normalized release rates than the three reference glasses. These results suggest that the GeoMelt{sup R} ICV{sup TM} glasses have durabilities on par with high-level waste glasses under standard test conditions. Post-melt process sampling and analysis indicated no Cs migration into the melter refractory materials and very little deposition of Cs or Sr onto the melter hood or off-gas piping internals. The results of the testing indicated good Cs retention in the glass, high volume reduction and waste loadings, and excellent chemical durability. These factors are important to minimize treatment costs and to protect workers and the environment. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

Thermokinetic mixing compounding for polymer composites – a comprehensive review

High-speed thermokinetic mixers (K-mixers) represent an advanced compounding technology that employs intense shear and friction to convert kinetic energy directly into thermal energy. This mechanism enables rapid mixing cycles, often under one minute, facilitating exceptional filler dispersion while minimizing the material’s thermal history. This is particularly effective for compounding challenging materials, including heat-sensitive biopolymers, wet filler feedstocks, and nanofillers prone to agglomeration. As the first comprehensive review of this technology, this article synthesizes the fundamental principles of thermokinetic mixing (K-mixing) and surveys recent advances in polymer composite fabrication. We contrast the working principles of K-mixers with conventional twin-screw extrusion, highlighting distinct advantages in dispersing nanoscale fillers, exfoliating layered materials, and processing wet cellulosic feedstocks and ultra-high filler loadings (e.g., 85 wt%). Furthermore, strategies to optimize filler–matrix interfacial bonding under rapid-processing constraints, such as the kinetic selection of compatibilizers and fiber surface treatments, are evaluated. Finally, we analyze key structure-processing-property relationships and outline future directions in scaling up, reactive processing, and hybrid material development.

Zhang, Xuefeng [University of Maine]↗

Tailoring Fibre Structure Enabled by X-ray Analytics for Targeted Biomedical Applications

The rising interest in designing fibres via spinning techniques combining the properties of various polymeric materials into advanced functionalised materials is directed towards targeted biomedical applications such as drug delivery, wearable sensors or tissue engineering. Understanding how these functional polymers exhibit multiscale structures ranging from the molecular level to nano-, micro-and millimetre scale is a key prerequisite for their challenging applications that can be addressed by a non-destructive X-ray based analytical approach. X-ray multimodalities combining X-ray imaging, scattering and diffraction allow the study of morphology, molecular structure, and the analysis of nano-domain size and shape, crystallinity and preferential orientation in 3D arrangements. The incorporation of X-ray analytics in the design process of polymeric fibers via their nanostructure under non-ambient conditions (i.e. temperature, mechanical load, humidity…) allows for efficient optimization of the fabrication process as well as quality control along the product lifetime under operating environmental conditions. Here, we demonstrate the successful collaboration between the laboratory of Biomimetic Textiles and Membranes and the Center of X-ray Analytics at Empa for the design, characterisation and optimisation of advanced functionalised polymeric fibrous material systems.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Low-cost sensors and analytics for a digital factory

ORNL Manufacturing Demonstration Facility and Perisense worked on a low-cost solution for machining process monitoring to enable a digital factory. Enabling machine connectivity for digital factors is expensive for many small to medium manufacturers. The hypothesis for the research project is that a lowcost sensor suite, which can be retrofitted to a legacy machine tool or a new machine tool, can effectively provide real-time, in-situ sensing for manufacturing processes, which can enable improvements in process performance and efficiency. The Perisense sensor node was installed on the Haas TM1 machine with a current sensor and an accelerometer. Cutting tests were performed at different process parameters and sensor data was recorded. Results show a correlation of the current sensor to the spindle load. The accelerometer, mounted on the machine base, showed a correlation to the spindle speed as well as the spindle load. The sensor data can be used to monitor the machining process and provide insights on the machine spindle load utilization.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Static and fatigue testing of full-scale fuselage panels fabricated using a Therm-X(R) process

Large, curved, integrally stiffened composite panels representative of an aircraft fuselage structure were fabricated using a Therm-X process, an alternative concept to conventional two-sided hard tooling and contour vacuum bagging. Panels subsequently were tested under pure shear loading in both static and fatigue regimes to assess the adequacy of the manufacturing process, the effectiveness of damage tolerant design features co-cured with the structure, and the accuracy of finite element and closed-form predictions of postbuckling capability and failure load. Test results indicated the process yielded panels of high quality and increased damage tolerance through suppression of common failure modes such as skin-stiffener separation and frame-stiffener corner failure. Finite element analyses generally produced good predictions of postbuckled shape, and a global-local modelling technique yielded failure load predictions that were within 7% of the experimental mean.

Dinicola, Albert J.↗