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At least 613 records · Page 34

Space Station multidisciplinary analysis capability - IDEAS2

A computer-aided engineering tool now in use at NASA for systems engineering and integration analysis of the Space Station is described. This tool, called IDEAS2, combines the spacecraft-specific analysis software from NASA IDEAS (truss synthesizer, rigid body controls, plume impingement, orbital lifetime, orbit heat loads, and life support systems) with the interactive graphics, geometric database, solids modeler, structural and thermal analysis capability of the SDRC I-DEAS to obtain an integrated package suitable for Space Station design. This integrated package was applied to a very recent study of growth scenarios of the Space Station dual keel configuration, in which a comparison was made between designs using a combination of photovoltaic solar arrays and solar dynamic collectors, and those using only solar dynamic collectors.

Baker, M.↗

Postprocessing techniques for 3D non-linear structures

How graphics postprocessing techniques are currently used to examine the results of 3-D nonlinear analyses, some new techniques which take advantage of recent technology, and how these results relate to both the finite element model and its geometric parent are reviewed.

Gallagher, Richard S.↗

An investigation of stellar coronae with AXAF

Questions concerning the phenomenon of stellar coronae are discussed together with the physical parameters essential to model stellar coronae and the different AXAF instruments assigned for measurements of these parameters. As an illustration of what AXAF will be able to accomplish, three specific examples of studies by AXAF are described. These include coronal modeling for a bright X-ray source such as HR 1099, using spectra obtained by AXAF; time-resolved spectroscopy of AR Lacertae and YY Geminormum during their eclipses, to use the spectra for the identification and modeling of individual geometrical physical structures on these stars; and time-resolved spectroscopy during stellar flares to obtain high-resolution spectra which will make it possible to infer the changes in the flaring plasma temperatures as a function of time.

Linsky, Jeffrey L.↗

Frictionless contact of aircraft tires

A computational procedure for the solution of frictionless contact problems of spacecraft tires was developed using a two-dimensional laminated anisotropic shell theory incorporating the effects of variations in material and geometric parameters, transverse shear deformation, and geometric nonlinearities to model the nose-gear tire of a space shuttle. Numerical results are presented for the case when the nose-gear tire is subjected to inflation pressure and pressed against a rigid pavement. The results are compared with experimental results obtained at NASA Langley, demonstrating a high accuracy of the model and the effectiveness of the computational procedure.

Kim, Kyun O.↗

Implementation of 3-D isoparametric finite elements on supercomputer for the formulation of recursive dynamical equations of multi-body systems

A computational algorithmic procedure is developed and implemented for the dynamic analysis of a multibody system with rigid/flexible interconnected bodies. The algorithm takes into consideration the large rotation/translation and small elastic deformations associated with the rigid-body degrees of freedom and the flexibility of the bodies in the system respectively. Versatile three-dimensional isoparametric brick elements are employed for the modeling of the geometric configurations of the bodies. The formulation of the recursive dynamical equations of motion is based on the recursive Kane's equations, strain energy concepts, and the techniques of component mode synthesis. In order to minimize CPU-intensive matrix multiplication operations and speed up the execution process, the concepts of indexed arrays is utilized in the formulation of the equations of motion. A spin-up maneuver of a space robot with three flexible links carrying a solar panel is used as an illustrative example.

Shareef, N. H.↗

System requirements specification for SMART structures mode

Specified here are the functional and informational requirements for software modules which address the geometric and data modeling needs of the aerospace structural engineer. The modules are to be included as part of the Solid Modeling Aerospace Research Tool (SMART) package developed for the Vehicle Analysis Branch (VAB) at the NASA Langley Research Center (LaRC). The purpose is to precisely state what the SMART Structures modules will do, without consideration of how it will be done. Each requirement is numbered for reference in development and testing.

Source record↗

Analysis for delamination initiation in postbuckled dropped-ply laminates

The compression strength of dropped-ply, graphite-epoxy laminated plates for the delamination mode of failure is studied by analysis and corroborated with experiments. The nonlinear response of the test specimens is modeled by a geometrically nonlinear finite element analysis. The methodology for predicting delamination is based on a quadratic interlaminar stress criterion evaluated at a characteristic distance from the ply drop-off. The compression strength of specimens exhibiting a linear response is greater than the compression strength of specimens with the same layup exhibiting a geometrically nonlinear response. The analyses for both linear and nonlinear response show that severe interlaminar stress gradients occur in the interfaces at the drop-off because of the thickness/stiffness discontinuity. However, these interlaminar stress distributions are altered in the geometrically nonlinear response such that, with increasing load, their growth at the center of the laminate is retarded while their growth near the unloaded supported edge is increased.

Davila, Carlos G.↗

Correlated hard X-ray and ultraviolet variability in NGC 5548

Contemporaneous X-ray (from the Ginga satellite) and ultraviolet (IUE) observations of NGC 5548 in 1989-1990 show that the 1350 A and 2-10 keV flux both varied by a factor of 2.6 in a highly correlated fashion. Adding an additional simultaneous IUE-Exosat observation from 1984 significantly weakens the correlation, since the UV flux was 3.5 times larger then than its average 1990 value, while the X-ray flux was only 70 percent higher. In 1990 the UV and X-ray flux variations appear to be simultaneous to within no more than six days. These results, together with the simultaneity of the variations at 5000 and 1350 A, are incompatible with the standard geometrically thin accretion model. They may be explained, however, if part of the UV and optical radiation originates from reprocessing of X-rays emitted above the disk. Thus essentially all the UV flux in 1990 would be due to reprocessing. But the large UV outburst in 1984 probably represents a genuine increase in the disk throughput due to instability in the disk itself. The similar relationship between UV and X-ray emission in NGC 4151 suggests that this scheme may be applicable to Seyfert galaxies as a class.

Clavel, J.↗

Interplanetary program to optimize simulated trajectories (IPOST). Volume 4: Sample cases

The Interplanetary Program to Optimize Simulated Trajectories (IPOST) is intended to support many analysis phases, from early interplanetary feasibility studies through spacecraft development and operations. The IPOST output provides information for sizing and understanding mission impacts related to propulsion, guidance, communications, sensor/actuators, payload, and other dynamic and geometric environments. IPOST models three degree of freedom trajectory events, such as launch/ascent, orbital coast, propulsive maneuvering (impulsive and finite burn), gravity assist, and atmospheric entry. Trajectory propagation is performed using a choice of Cowell, Encke, Multiconic, Onestep, or Conic methods. The user identifies a desired sequence of trajectory events, and selects which parameters are independent (controls) and dependent (targets), as well as other constraints and the cost function. Targeting and optimization are performed using the Standard NPSOL algorithm. The IPOST structure allows sub-problems within a master optimization problem to aid in the general constrained parameter optimization solution. An alternate optimization method uses implicit simulation and collocation techniques.

Hong, P. E.↗

Interplanetary Program to Optimize Simulated Trajectories (IPOST). Volume 1: User's guide

IPOST is intended to support many analysis phases, from early interplanetary feasibility studies through spacecraft development and operations. The IPOST output provides information for sizing and understanding mission impacts related to propulsion, guidance, communications, sensor/actuators, payload, and other dynamic and geometric environments. IPOST models three degree of freedom trajectory events, such as launch/ascent, orbital coast, propulsive maneuvering (impulsive and finite burn), gravity assist, and atmospheric entry. Trajectory propagation is performed using a choice of Cowell, Encke, Multiconic, Onestep, or Conic methods. The user identifies a desired sequence fo trajectory events, and selects which parameters are independent (controls) and dependent (targets), as well as other constraints and the coat function. Targeting and optimization is performed using the Stanford NPSOL algorithm. IPOST structure allows sub-problems within a master optimization problem to aid in the general constrained parameter optimization solution. An alternate optimization method uses implicit simulation and collocation techniques.

Hong, P. E.↗

Interplanetary Program to Optimize Simulated Trajectories (IPOST). Volume 2: Analytic manual

The Interplanetary Program to Optimize Space Trajectories (IPOST) is intended to support many analysis phases, from early interplanetary feasibility studies through spacecraft development and operations. The IPOST output provides information for sizing and understanding mission impacts related to propulsion, guidance, communications, sensor/actuators, payload, and other dynamic and geometric environments. IPOST models three degree of freedom trajectory events, such as launch/ascent, orbital coast, propulsive maneuvering (impulsive and finite burn), gravity assist, and atmospheric entry. Trajectory propagation is performed using a choice of Cowell, Encke, Multiconic, Onestep, or Conic methods. The user identifies a desired sequence of trajectory events, and selects which parameters are independent (controls) and dependent (targets), as well as other constraints and the cost function. Targeting and optimization is performed using the Stanford NPSOL algorithm. IPOST structure allows subproblems within a master optimization problem to aid in the general constrained parameter optimization solution. An alternate optimization method uses implicit simulation and collocation techniques.

Hong, P. E.↗

Numerical computation of complex multi-body Navier-Stokes flows with applications for the integrated Space Shuttle launch vehicle

An enhanced grid system for the Space Shuttle Orbiter was built by integrating CAD definitions from several sources and then generating the surface and volume grids. The new grid system contains geometric components not modeled previously plus significant enhancements on geometry that has been modeled in the old grid system. The new orbiter grids were then integrated with new grids for the rest of the launch vehicle. Enhancements were made to the hyperbolic grid generator HYPGEN and new tools for grid projection, manipulation, and modification, Cartesian box grid and far field grid generation and post-processing of flow solver data were developed.

Chan, William M.↗

Exocentric judgements in real environments and stereoscopic displays

Spatial direction errors during interpretation of perspective images, such as 3D map displays, may originate from misjudgment of the orientation of the viewing direction used to make the display. One source of these errors could be perceptual evidence of the display surface. Two experiments are reported in which the same judgment exocentric task was presented, but the cues to the picture surface were reduced or eliminated by presenting the task as a stereoscopic, virtual image or by a geometrically matched physical model. A theory developed to model exocentric direction errors on perspective displays has been fitted to the data from these two experiments. The parameters estimated from the fit in both experiments indicate that the subjects may be more correctly estimating the viewing direction than in ordinary perspective displays. Consequently, in some real world or stereo viewing conditions, errors in estimating the viewing direction are not likely to dominate exocentric direction errors.

Ellis, Stephen R.↗

Propeller scale effect and body interference

This note shows that the main part of the discrepancy between full flight propeller performance and the performance of models in a wind tunnel is due to a scale effect, and that a minor part is caused by body interference. Analyses are made of propeller performances on several standard airplanes, and the actual brake horsepower compared with the power as calculated from model test data. The calculated power is based on that absorbed by a wind tunnel propeller model which is geometrically similar to the full scale propeller and is operating under the same ratio of V/nD.

Weick, Fred E↗

Study of Size Effect in Sheet-stringer Panels

An investigation was conducted to determine whether there are significant size effects in compressive strength of large Z-stiffened sheet-stringer panels as compared with geometrically similar smaller models and thus to ascertain whether the prediction of the strength of large panels by model tests is reliable. The specimens studied were manufactured from 7075-T6 aluminum alloy and included four representative types of panel designs, with full- and one-quarter-scale panels of each type.

LOADS AND STRESSES, STRUCTURAL - COMPRESSION↗

The Aerodynamic Plane Table

This report gives the description and the use of a specially designed aerodynamic plane table. For the accurate and expeditious geometrical measurement of models in an aerodynamic laboratory, and for miscellaneous truing operations, there is frequent need for a specially equipped plan table. For example, one may have to measure truly to 0.001 inch the offsets of an airfoil at many parts of its surface. Or the offsets of a strut, airship hull, or other carefully formed figure may require exact calipering. Again, a complete airplane model may have to be adjusted for correct incidence at all parts of its surfaces or verified in those parts for conformance to specifications. Such work, if but occasional, may be done on a planing or milling machine; but if frequent, justifies the provision of a special table. For this reason it was found desirable in 1918 to make the table described in this report and to equip it with such gauges and measures as the work should require.

Zahm, A F↗

The Air Forces on a Model of the Sperry Messenger Airplane Without Propeller

This is a report on a scale effect research which was made in the variable-density wind tunnel of the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics at the request of the Army Air Service. A 1/10 scale model of the sperry messenger airplane with USA-5 wings was tested without a propeller at various Reynolds numbers up to the full scale value. Two series of tests were: the first on the original model which was of the usual simplified construction, and the second on a modified model embodying a great amount of detail. The experimental results show that the scale effect is almost entirely confined to the drag. It was also found that the model should be geometrically similar to the full-scale airplane if the test data are to be directly applicable to full scale.

Munk, Max M↗

Investigation of passive atmospheric sounding using millimeter and submillimeter wavelength channels

Presented in this study are the results of controlled partially polarimetric measurements of thermal emission at 91.65 GHz from a striated water surface as corroborated by a geometrical optics radiative model. The measurements were obtained outdoors using a precision polarimetric radiometer which directly measured the first three modified Stokes' parameters. Significant variations in these parameters as a function of azimuthal water wave angle were found, with peak-to-peak variations in T(sub u) of up to approximately 10 K. The measurements are well corroborated by the GO model over a range of observations angles from near nadir up to approximately 65 degrees from nadir. The model incorporates both multiple scattering and a realistic downwelling background brightness field.

Gasiewski, Albin J.↗