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At least 595 records · Page 33
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NASA NTRS1980

The dynamics and control of large flexible space structures. Volume 3, part B: The modelling, dynamics, and stability of large Earth pointing orbiting structures

The dynamics and stability of large orbiting flexible beams, and platforms and dish type structures oriented along the local horizontal are treated both analytically and numerically. It is assumed that such structures could be gravitationally stabilized by attaching a rigid light-weight dumbbell at the center of mass by a spring loaded hinge which also could provide viscous damping. For the beam, the small amplitude inplane pitch motion, dumbbell librational motion, and the anti-symmetric elastic modes are all coupled. The three dimensional equations of motion for a circular flat plate and shallow spherical shell in orbit with a two-degree-of freedom gimballed dumbbell are also developed and show that only those elastic modes described by a single nodal diameter line are influenced by the dumbbell motion. Stability criteria are developed for all the examples and a sensitivity study of the system response characteristics to the key system parameters is carried out.

Bainum, P. M.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Numerical simulations of the nonlinear kink modes in linearly stable supersonic slip surfaces

High-resolution numerical simulations of supersonic slip surfaces were performed using the Cray 2 at the Minnesota Supercomputer Center to confirm earlier analytic nonlinear stability calculations of such structures. The present study presents a numerical solution for the problem solved analytically by Artola and Majda (1987) and follows growing modes well into the large-amplitude regime. The response of an equal-density Mach-4 slip surface to a variety of impinging nonlinear sound wave trains is computed using the piecewise-parabolic method (PPM). The nature of the nonlinear kink modes observed in the simulations was found to be similar to that discussed by Artola and Majda. Most of the speeds moved in either direction, with speeds near the predicted value. It is suggested that the stationary modes will eventually dominate the flow at much later times, and it is argued that the stationary modes are more disruptive than the propagating kink modes.

Pedelty, Jeffrey A.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Instability of jets of arbitrary geometry

This paper describes a calculation technique for determining the stability of jets of arbitrary cross section. In particular, elliptic and rectangular jets are considered. The numerical procedure involves both a conformal transformation between the computational domain and the physical plane and a solution of the transformed stability equation in the computational domain. Modern, efficient, conformal mappings are used for both simply and doubly connected domains. The numerical solution is based on a finite difference/pseudospectral discretization of the stability equation. The technique is verified by comparison with previous calculations for circular and elliptic jets. Calculations are performed for the stability of elliptic and rectangular jets of aspect ratio 2. Growth rates, phase velocities, and pressure eigenfunctions are calculated.

Baty, Roy S.↗
NASA NTRS1995

Wave Journal Bearing. Part 2: Experimental Pressure Measurements and Fractional Frequency Whirl Threshold for Wave and Plain Journal Bearings

A new hydrodynamic bearing concept, the wave journal bearing, is being developed because it has better stability characteristics than plain journal bearings while maintaining similar load capacity. An analysis code to predict the steady state and dynamic performance of the wave journal bearing is also part of the development. To verify numerical predictions and contrast the wave journal bearing's stability characteristics to a plain journal bearing, tests were conducted at NASA Lewis Research Center using an air bearing test rig. Bearing film pressures were measured at 16 ports located around the bearing circumference at the middle of the bearing length. The pressure measurements for both a plain journal bearing and a wave journal bearing compared favorably with numerical predictions. Both bearings were tested with no radial load to determine the speed threshold for self-excited fractional frequency whirl. The plain journal bearing started to whirl immediately upon shaft start-up. The wave journal did not incur self-excited whirl until 800 to 900 rpm as predicted by the analysis. Furthermore, the wave bearing's geometry limited the whirl orbit to less than the bearing's clearance. In contrast, the plain journal bearing did not limit the whirl orbit, causing it to rub.

Walker, James F.↗
NASA NTRS1974

Combustion instability with partial length acoustic liners

The development of analytical techniques and numerical methods for the prediction of the stability behavior of liquid propellant rocket combustors is discussed. The studies involved nonlinear wave propagation effects and nonlinear combustion zone, liner, and nozzle responses. A second primary extension of the basic theory was directed at the inclusion of the effects of injector face baffles. Attention was restricted to the linear (small amplitude) problem, finite Mach numbers, three dimensional oscillations, and distributed combustion effects.

Mitchell, C. E.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Combustion instability with partial length acoustic liners

The development is discussed of analytical techniques and numerical methods for the prediction of the stability behavior of liquid propellant rocket combustors with partial length acoustic liners, injector face baffles, and nonlinear combustion responses. Three primary objectives included: (1) extension of the Green's Function integral-iteration technique previously developed so that nonlinear three dimensional wave propagation effects could be included in stability predictions; (2) development of an analytical technique and a computer program for the prediction of the damping effects caused by injector face baffles; and (3) inclusion of a nonlinear, wave distortation dependent, combustion response model in the global stability analysis and determination of its effect on combustor stability.

Mitchell, C. E.↗
NASA NTRS1981

International Conference on Numerical Methods in Fluid Dynamics, 7th, Stanford University, Stanford and Moffett Field, CA, June 23-27, 1980, Proceedings

Topics discussed include polygon transformations in fluid mechanics, computation of three-dimensional horseshoe vortex flow using the Navier-Stokes equations, an improved surface velocity method for transonic finite-volume solutions, transonic flow calculations with higher order finite elements, the numerical calculation of transonic axial turbomachinery flows, and the simultaneous solutions of inviscid flow and boundary layer at transonic speeds. Also considered are analytical solutions for the reflection of unsteady shock waves and relevant numerical tests, reformulation of the method of characteristics for multidimensional flows, direct numerical simulations of turbulent shear flows, the stability and separation of freely interacting boundary layers, computational models of convective motions at fluid interfaces, viscous transonic flow over airfoils, and mixed spectral/finite difference approximations for slightly viscous flows.

Reynolds, W. C.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Goertler instability in compressible boundary layers along curved surfaces with suction and cooling

The Goertler instability of the laminar compressible boundary layer flows along concave surfaces is investigated. The linearized disturbance equations for the three-dimensional, counter-rotating streamwise vortices in two-dimensional boundary layers are presented in an orthogonal curvilinear coordinate. The basic approximation of the disturbance equations, that includes the effect of the growth of the boundary layer, is considered and solved numerically. The effect of compressibility on critical stability limits, growth rates, and amplitude ratios of the vortices is evaluated for a range of Mach numbers for 0 to 5. The effect of wall cooling and suction of the boundary layer on the development of Goertler vortices is investigated for different Mach numbers.

El-Hady, N.↗
NASA NTRS1983

The influence of gyroscopic forces on the dynamic behavior and flutter of rotating blades

The structural dynamics of a cantilever turbomachine blade mounted on a spinning and precessing rotor are investigated. Both stability and forced vibration are considered with a blade model that increases in complexity (and verisimilitude) from a spring-restrained point mass, to a uniform cantilever, to a twisted uniform cantilever turbomachine blade mounted on a spinning and precessing rotor are investigated. Both stability and forced vibration are considered with a blade model that increases in complexity (and verisimilitude) from a spring-restrained point mass, to a uniform cantilever, to a twisted uniform cantilever, to a tapered twisted cantilever of arbitrary cross-section. In every instance the formulation is from first principles using a finite element based on beam theory. Both ramp-type and periodic-type precessional angular displacements are considered. In concluding, forced vibrating and flutter are studied using the final and most sophisticated structural model. The analysis of stability is presented and a number of numerical examples are worked out.

Sisto, F.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Aeroelastic effects in multi-rotor vehicles with application to a hybrid heavy lift system. Part 1: Formulation of equations of motion

This report presents a set of governing coupled differential equations for a model of a hybrid aircraft. The model consists of multiple rotor systems connected by an elastic interconnecting structure, with options to add any combination of or all of the following components; i.e., thrusters, a buoyant hull, and an underslung weight. The dynamic equations are written for the individual blade with hub motions, for the rigid body motions of the whole model, and also for the flexible modes of the interconnecting structure. One of the purposes of this study is to serve as the basis of a numerical study aimed at determining the aeroelastic stability and structural response characteristics of a Hybrid Heavy Lift Airship (HHLA). It is also expected that the formulation may be applicable to analyzing stability and responses of dual rotor helicopters such as a Heavy Lift Helicopter (HLH). Futhermore, the model is capable of representing coupled rotor/body aeromechanical problems of single rotor helicopters.

Venkatesan, C.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Nonlinear effects of elastic coupling in unsymmetric laminates

Classical lamination theory predicts the room-temperature shape of all unsymmetrically laminated, elevated-temperature cure composites to be a saddle shape. Experimental observation indicates, however, that in many cases the room-temperature shape is cylindrical. In addition, a second cylindrical shape can often be obtained from the first by a simple snap-through action. It is the elastic couplings between inplane and out-of-plane deformations which are inherent in unsymmetric laminates that are responsible for the room-temperature shape. However, the couplings are so strong that geometrically nonlinear effects are produced. These are not accounted for in the classical theory. This paper reviews a theory developed to explain the effects of the coupling on laminate shape. The theory is based on a minimization of the laminate's total potential energy. The theory accounts for geometric nonlinearities. Because the problem is nonlinear, approximate solutions are sought by using a Rayleigh-Ritz procedure. Because of the observed snap-through of some laminates, stability of the predicted shapes is examined. Numerical results and some limited experimental data are presented for several laminates.

Hyer, M. W.↗
NASA NTRS1985

A note on the loop thermosyphon with mixed boundary conditions

This paper presents a one-dimensional model for flow in a toroidal fluid loop in which the wall heat transfer coefficient is constant over one half of the loop, and zero over the other. A mathematically low-dimensional form of the model gives reasonably accurate predictions of the steady state mass flow, stability, and the nature of nonsteady motions. Numerical computations with a high-dimensional model illustrate the effects of mixed boundaries and axial heat conduction on the chaotic solutions. Comparisons are made with previous low-dimensional models that are exact only for a spatially uniform heat transfer coefficient.

Hart, J. E.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Vortex sheet modeling with higher order curved panels

A numerical technique is presented for modeling the vortex sheet with a deformable surface definition, along which a continuous vortex strength distribution in the spanwise direction is applied, so that by repeatedly modifying its shape, its true configuration is approached, in the proximity of its generating wing. Design problems requiring the inclusion of a realistic configuration of the vortex sheet are numerous. Examples discussed include: control effectiveness and stability derivatives, longitudinal stability, lateral stability, canards, propellers and helicopter rotors, and trailing vortex hazards.

Nagati, M. G.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Streaming tearing mode

The magnetohydrodynamic stability of streaming tearing mode is investigated numerically. A bulk plasma flow parallel to the antiparallel magnetic field lines and localized in the neutral sheet excites a streaming tearing mode more strongly than the usual tearing mode, particularly for the wavelength of the order of the neutral sheet width (or smaller), which is stable for the usual tearing mode. Interestingly, examination of the eigenfunctions of the velocity perturbation and the magnetic field perturbation indicates that the streaming tearing mode carries more energy in terms of the kinetic energy rather than the magnetic energy. This suggests that the streaming tearing mode instability can be a more feasible mechanism of plasma acceleration than the usual tearing mode instability.

Shigeta, M.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Design of feedforward controllers for multivariable plants

Simple methods for the design of feedforward controllers to achieve steady-state disturbance rejection and command tracking in stable multivariable plants are developed in this paper. The controllers are represented by simple and low-order transfer functions and are not based on reconstruction of the states of the commands and disturbances. For unstable plants, it is shown that the present method can be applied directly when an additional feedback controller is employed to stabilize the plant. The feedback and feedforward controllers do not affect each other and can be designed independently based on the open-loop plant to achieve stability, disturbance rejection and command tracking, respectivley. Numerical examples are given for illustration.

Seraji, H.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Progress on a Taylor weak statement finite element algorithm for high-speed aerodynamic flows

A new finite element numerical Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) algorithm has matured to the point of efficiently solving two-dimensional high speed real-gas compressible flow problems in generalized coordinates on modern vector computer systems. The algorithm employs a Taylor Weak Statement classical Galerkin formulation, a variably implicit Newton iteration, and a tensor matrix product factorization of the linear algebra Jacobian under a generalized coordinate transformation. Allowing for a general two-dimensional conservation law system, the algorithm has been exercised on the Euler and laminar forms of the Navier-Stokes equations. Real-gas fluid properties are admitted, and numerical results verify solution accuracy, efficiency, and stability over a range of test problem parameters.

Baker, A. J.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Nonlinear interactions in mixing layers and compressible heated round jets

The nonlinear interactions between a fundamental instability mode and both its harmonics and the changing mean flow are studied using the weakly nonlinear stability theory of Stuart and Watson, and numerical solutions of coupled nonlinear partial differential equations. The first part focuses on incompressible cold (or isothermal; constant temperature throughout) mixing layers, and for these, the first and second Landau constants are calculated as functions of wavenumber and Reynolds number. It is found that the dominant contribution to the Landau constants arises from the mean flow changes and not from the higher harmonics. In order to establish the range of validity of the weakly nonlinear theory, the weakly nonlinear and numerical solutions are compared and the limitation of each is discussed. At small amplitudes and at low-to-moderate Reynolds numbers, the two results compare well in describing the saturation of the fundamental, the distortion of the mean flow, and the initial stages of vorticity roll-up. At larger amplitudes, the interaction between the fundamental, second harmonic, and the mean flow is strongly nonlinear and the numerical solution predicts flow oscillations, whereas the weakly nonlinear theory yields saturation. In the second part, the weakly nonlinear theory is extended to heated (or nonisothermal; mean temperature distribution) subsonic round jets where quadratic and cubic nonlinear interactions are present, and the Landau constants also depend on jet temperature ratio, Mach number and azimuthal mode number. Under exponential growth and nonlinear saturation, it is found that heating and compressibility suppress the growth of instability waves, that the first azimuthal mode is the dominant instability mode, and that the weakly nonlinear solution describes the early stages of the roll-up of an axisymmetric shear layer. The receptivity of a typical jet flow to pulse type input disturbance is also studied by solving the initial value problem and then examining the behavior of the long-time solution.

Jarrah, Yousef Mohd↗
NASA NTRS1990

Multivariable flight control synthesis and literal robustness analysis for an aeroelastic vehicle

An integrated flight/aeroelastic control law is developed analytically for a hypothetical large supersonic transport aircraft in which the first aeroelastic mode frequency of the fuselage (6 rad/sec) is near the short-period mode (2 rad/sec). The approach employed is based on a linear-quadratic-regulator (LQR) formulation (yielding model-following state-feedback gains), followed by asymptotic loop-transfer recovery of LQR robustness (to produce an output-feedback control law). The derivation is outlined, and numerical results comparing the performance and multivariate stability robustness of the present controller with those of a classical controller are presented in graphs. The two controllers are shown to have similar characteristics, even with respect to the sources of limitations on robustness.

Schmidt, David K.↗