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At least 631 records · Page 35

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NASA NTRS1983

A renormalization group model for the stick-slip behavior of faults

A fault which is treated as an array of asperities with a prescribed statistical distribution of strengths is described. For a linear array the stress is transferred to a single adjacent asperity and for a two dimensional array to three ajacent asperities. It is shown that the solutions bifurcate at a critical applied stress. At stresses less than the critical stress virtually no asperities fail on a large scale and the fault is locked. At the critical stress the solution bifurcates and asperity failure cascades away from the nucleus of failure. It is found that the stick slip behavior of most faults can be attributed to the distribution of asperities on the fault. The observation of stick slip behavior on faults rather than stable sliding, why the observed level of seismicity on a locked fault is very small, and why the stress on a fault is less than that predicted by a standard value of the coefficient of friction are outlined.

Smalley, R. F., Jr.↗

NASA NTRS1988

Dynamical criterion for a marginally unstable, quasi-linear behavior in a two-layer model

A two-layer quasi-geostrophic flow forced by meridional variations in heating can be in regimes ranging from radiative equilibrium to forced geostrophic turbulence. Between these extremes is a regime where the time-mean (zonal) flow is marginally unstable. Using scaling arguments, it is concluded that such a marginally unstable state should occur when a certain parameter, measuring the strength of wave-wave interactions relative to the beta effect and advection by the thermal wind, is small. Numerical simulations support this proposal. A transition from the marginally unstable regime to a more nonlinear regime is then examined through numerical simulations with different radiative forcings. It is found that transition is not caused by secondary instability of waves in the marginally unstable regime. Instead, the time-mean flow can support a number of marginally unstable normal modes. These normal modes interact with each other, and if they are of sufficient amplitude, the flow enters a more nonlinear regime.

Ebisuzaki, W.↗

NASA NTRS1989

The UV silicon spectra of early B stars

Equivalent widths of UV silicon lines obtained from high dispersion IUE SWP spectra for a sample of 37 mid- to early B stars are presented. These are compared to other atmospheric diagnostics and to model atmosphere calculations. It is found that some of the UV silicon lines are extremely sensitive to stellar temperature and luminosity over the range B5-B0.5, or roughly a factor of two in effective temperature. The potential usefulness of these lines is stressed, and it is demonstrated that they could determine temperatures and surface gravities to the same accuracy as other commonly used diagnostics once adequate models become available. Although the available models fail to predict the quantitative behavior of the line strengths, they do, in most instances, describe their qualitative behavior. Since the existing models are somewhat out of date, the results suggest that models based upon more complete opacity tables may be quite reliable.

Massa, D.↗

NASA NTRS1991

Investigation of the aeroelastic stability of the AFW wind-tunnel model using CAP-TSD

The Computational Aeroelasticity Program - Transonic Small Disturbance (CAP-TSD) code, developed at the NASA Langley Research Center, is applied to the Active Flexible Wing (AFW) wind tunnel model for prediction of the model's transonic aeroelastic behavior. A semi-span computational model is used for evaluation of symmetric motions and a full span model is used for evaluation of antisymmetric motions. Static aeroelastic solutions using CAP-TSD are computed. Dynamic (flutter) analyses are then performed as perturbations about the static aeroelastic deformations and presented as flutter boundaries in terms of Mach number and dynamic pressure. Flutter boundaries that take into account modal refinements, vorticity and entropy corrections, antisymmetric motions and sensitivity to the modeling of the wing tip ballast stores are also presented and compared with experimental flutter results.

Silva, Walter A.↗

NASA NTRS1992

Investigation of the aeroelastic stability of the AFW wind-tunnel model using CAP-TSD

The Computational Aeroelasticity Program - Transonic Small Disturbance (CAP-TSD) code is applied to the Active Flexible Wing (AFW) wind tunnel model for prediction of the model's transonic aeroelastic behavior. A semi-span computational model is used for evaluation of symmetric motions and a full span model is used for evaluation of antisymmetric motions. Static aeroelastic solutions using CAP-TSD are computed. Dynamic flutter analyses are then performed as perturbations about the static aeroelastic deformations and presented as flutter boundaries in terms of Mach number and dynamic pressure. Flutter boundaries that take into account modal refinements, vorticity, and entropy corrections, antisymmetric motions and sensitivity to the modeling of the wing tip ballast stores are also presented and compared with experimental flutter results.

Silva, Walter A.↗

NASA NTRS1991

Electromechanical simulation and testing of actively controlled rotordynamic systems with piezoelectric actuators

Theoretical developments for the simulation of an actively controlled rotorbearing system with piezoelectric type actuators are summarized. Two simulation models were derived; the first assumes that the actuators and other electrical components in the feedback system operate at all frequencies without phase lag or rolloff, while the second model includes the nonideal behavior of these components which are modeled with linear electric circuits. The two models predict identical unbalance response at low frequencies, and the nonideal model also predicts instability-onset feedback gains. The agreement between the measured and predicted results for unbalance response and instability onset gain is very good. The predicted instability-onset feedback gain for active damping was found to be very sensitive to the tare (uncontrolled) damping in the unstable mode.

Lin, Reng R.↗

NASA NTRS1992

Analytic and numerical models of wave-CISK with conditional heating

Wave-CISK with conditional heating is investigated in the equatorial zonal-height plane by analytic and numerical techniques. For two- and three-level models, previous results are extended to give additional evidence that the most unstable mode has a single wet region of infinitesimal width. A three-level model has qualitatively similar behavior as the two-level model except that propagating solutions are possible due to coalescence of internal vertical modes. Phase speeds with conditional heating are found to be slightly greater than those for unconditional heating. The structure has one circulation cell in the vertical and is asymmetric in longitude with stronger motion on the leading edge. Growth rate is inversely proportional to the width of the single wet region. That width can be limited by second-order diffusion. A general integral relationship between growth rate, viscosity, phase speed, and heating is derived. The main conclusion is that the linear wave-CISK catastrophe is modified by conditional heating but not eliminated. The preferred mode of instability has one wet region, but it occurs on the smallest possible scale. It is likely that numerical models that use conditional heating are sensitive to resolution, especially for the commonly used spectral truncations, unless there is sufficiently strong damping at the smallest scales.

Crum, Francis X.↗

NASA NTRS1993

A multimedia adult literacy program: Combining NASA technology, instructional design theory, and authentic literacy concepts

For a number of years, the Software Technology Branch of the Information Systems Directorate has been involved in the application of cutting edge hardware and software technologies to instructional tasks related to NASA projects. The branch has developed intelligent computer aided training shells, instructional applications of virtual reality and multimedia, and computer-based instructional packages that use fuzzy logic for both instructional and diagnostic decision making. One outcome of the work on space-related technology-supported instruction has been the creation of a significant pool of human talent in the branch with current expertise on the cutting edges of instructional technologies. When the human talent is combined with advanced technologies for graphics, sound, video, CD-ROM, and high speed computing, the result is a powerful research and development group that both contributes to the applied foundations of instructional technology and creates effective instructional packages that take advantage of a range of advanced technologies. Several branch projects are currently underway that combine NASA-developed expertise to significant instructional problems in public education. The branch, for example, has developed intelligent computer aided software to help high school students learn physics and staff are currently working on a project to produce educational software for young children with language deficits. This report deals with another project, the adult literacy tutor. Unfortunately, while there are a number of computer-based instructional packages available for adult literacy instruction, most of them are based on the same instructional models that failed these students when they were in school. The teacher-centered, discrete skill and drill-oriented, instructional strategies, even when they are supported by color computer graphics and animation, that form the foundation for most of the computer-based literacy packages currently on the market may not be the most effective or most desirable way to use computer technology in literacy programs. This project is developing a series of instructional packages that are based on a different instructional model - authentic instruction. The instructional development model used to create these packages is also different. Instead of using the traditional five stage linear, sequential model based on behavioral learning theory, the project uses the recursive, reflective design and development model (R2D2) that is based on cognitive learning theory, particularly the social constructivism of Vygotsky, and an epistemology based on critical theory. Using alternative instructional and instructional development theories, the result of the summer faculty fellowship is LiteraCity, a multimedia adult literacy instructional package that is a simulation of finding and applying for a job. The program, which is about 120 megabytes, is distributed on CD-ROM.

Willis, Jerry W.↗

NASA NTRS1994

Comparison of full-scale, small-scale, and CFD results for F/A-18 forebody slot blowing

It has been shown experimentally that forebody flow control devices provide a significant increase in yaw control for fighter aircraft at high angle-of-attack. This study presents comparisons of the various experimental and computational results for tangential slot blowing on the F/A-18 configuration. Experimental results are from the full-scale and 6 percent-scale model test and computational solutions are from both isolated forebody and and full aircraft configurations. The emphasis is on identifying trends in the variation of yawing moment with blowing-slot exit conditions. None of the traditional parameters (mass flow ratio, blowing momentum coefficient, velocity ratio) succeeded in collapsing all of the results into a common curve. Several factors may effect the agreement between the 6 percent- and full-scale results including Reynolds number effects, sensitivity of boundary layer transition from laminar to turbulent flow, and poor geometric fidelity, particularly of the blowing slot. The disagreement between the full-scale and computed yawing moments may be due to a mismatch in the slot exit conditions for the same mass flow ratio or aircraft configuration modeling. The general behavior of slot blowing on the 6 percent-scale and computational models is correct, but neither matches the full-scale results.

Lanser, Wendy R.↗

NASA NTRS1994

Computer modeling the fatigue crack growth rate behavior of metals in corrosive environments

The objective of this task was to develop a method to digitize FCP (fatigue crack propagation) kinetics data, generally presented in terms of extensive da/dN-Delta K pairs, to produce a file for subsequent linear superposition or curve-fitting analysis. The method that was developed is specific to the Numonics 2400 Digitablet and is comparable to commercially available software products as Digimatic(sup TM 4). Experiments demonstrated that the errors introduced by the photocopying of literature data, and digitization, are small compared to those inherent in laboratory methods to characterize FCP in benign and aggressive environments. The digitizing procedure was employed to obtain fifteen crack growth rate data sets for several aerospace alloys in aggressive environments.

Richey, Edward, III↗

NASA NTRS2003

Point to Point Control of the Hydrogen Mixer

We continue to build on the theoretical modelling of a liquid hydrogen (LH2) and gas hydrogen (GH2) mixer subsystem. The mixer described in this work is responsible for combining high pressure LH2 and GH2 to produce a hydrogen flow that meets certain thermodynamic properties. The desired properties are maintained by precise control of the LH2 and GH2 flows. The mixer is modelled as a general multi-flow lumped volume for single constituent fluids using density and internal energy as states. The set of nonlinear differential equations is modelled in the SIMULINK environment including a table look-up feature of the fluid thermodynamic properties. A small signal (linear) model is developed based on the nonlinear model and simulated as well. Pulse disturbances are introduced to the valve positions and the quality of the linear model is ascertained by comparing its behavior against the nonlinear model simulations. Valve control strategies that simulate an operator-in-the-loop scenario are then explored demonstrating the need for automatic feedback control. Finally, optimal single-output and multi-output Proportional/Integral controllers are designed based on the linear model and applied to the nonlinear model with excellent results to track simultaneous, constant setpoint changes in desired exit flow, exit temperature, and mixer pressure, as well as to reject unmeasureable but bounded additive step perturbations in the valve positions.

Barbieri, Enrique↗

NASA NTRS1961

Effect of a Load-Alleviating Structure on the Landing Behavior of a Reentry-Capsule Model

Model tests have been made to determine the landing-impact characteristics of a parachute-supported reentry capsule that had a compliable metal structure as a load-alleviating device. A 1/6-scale dynamic model having compliable aluminum-alloy legs designed to give a low onset rate of acceleration on impact was tested at flight-path angles of 90 degrees ( vertical ) and 35 deg, at a vertical velocity of 30 ft/sec ( full scale), and at contact attitudes of 0 deg and +/-30 deg. Landings were made on concrete, sand, and water. The maximum acceleration encountered was approximately 35g and the maximum onset rate was 2,000 g/sec. on concrete a t the 55 deg flight-path, f30 contact-attitude conditions; therefore, load-alleviating devices on the canister end of the model would be required. To evaluate the scaling characteristics of compliable metal structures, models were tested with 1/4.1-scale and full-scale aluminum-alloy legs. The maximum vertical accelerations and strokes obtained from tests of the 1/4.1-scale and full-scale legs were the same within the recording accuracy of the equipment. Acceleration time histories for the 90 degree flight-path, 0 deg contact-attitude condition were computed and are in good agreement with the experimental results.

Hoffman, Edward L.↗

NASA NTRS2003

Modeling, Simulation and Control of a Propellant Mixer

This paper addresses some modeling and control issues for a mixing chamber used in rocket engine testing at NASA Stennis Space Center. The mixer must combine high pressure liquid hydrogen (LH2) and gaseous hydrogen (GH2) to produce and output flow that meets certain thermodynamic properties before it is fed into a test article. More precisely, this paper considers that the quantities to be tracked and/or regulated are mixer internal pressure, exit mass flow, and exit temperature. The available control inputs are given by three value positions, namely those of the GH2, LH2 and exit valves. The mixer is modelled by a system of two nonlinear ordinary differential equations having density and internal energy as states. The model must be simple enough to lend itself to subsequent feedback controller design, yet its accuracy must be tested against real data. For this reason, the model includes function calls to thermodynamic property data. Some structural properties of the resulting model that pertain to controller design, such as controllability and uniqueness of the equilibrium point are shown to hold. Validation of the model against real data is also provided. As a first control approach, a small-signal (linear) model is developed based on the nonlinear model and simulated as well. Pulse disturbances are introduced to the valve positions and the quality of the linear model is ascertained by comparing its behavior against the nonlinear model simulations. Valve control strategies that simulate an operator-in-the-loop scenario are then explored demonstrating the need for automatic feedback control. Classical optimal single-output and multi-output Proportional/Integral controllers are designed based on the linear model and applied to the nonlinear model with excellent results to track simultaneous, constant setpoint changes in desired exit flow, exit temperature, and mixer pressure, as well as to reject unmeasurable but bounded additive step perturbations in the valve positions. A feedback linearization controller is designed and used to achieve tracking and regulation of the outputs over an extended range of the variables of interest.

Richter, Hanz↗

NASA NTRS2003

Small Signal Point-to-Point Tracking of a Propellant Mixer

This paper addresses some theoretical modelling and control issues for a mixing chamber used in rocket engine testing at NASA Stennis Space Center. The mixer is responsible for combining high pressure LH2 and GH2 to produce a hydrogen flow that meets certain thermodynamic properties before it is fed into a test article. The desired properties are maintained by precise control of the LH2 and GH2 flows. The mixer is modelled as a general multi-flow lumped volume for single constituent fluids using density and internal energy as states. The set of nonlinear differential equations is modelled in the SIMULINK environment including a table look-up feature of the fluid thermodynamic properties. a small-signal (linear) model is developed based on the nonlinear model and simulated as well. Pulse disturbances are introduced to the valve positions and the quality of the linear model is ascertained by comparing its behavior against the nonlinear model simulations. Valve control strategies that simulate an operator-in-the-loop scenario are then explored demonstrating the need for automatic feedback control. Finally, classical optimal single-output and multi-output Proportional/Integral controllers are designed based on the linear model and applied to the nonlinear model with excellent results to track simultaneous, constant setpoint changes in desired exit flow, exit temperature, and mixer pressure, as well as to reject unmeasurable but bounded additive step perturbations in the valve positions.

Barbieri, Enrique↗

NASA NTRS1961

Effect of Load-Alleviating Structure on the Landing Behavior of a Reentry-Capsule Model

[Division] Structures↗

NASA NTRS2004

Adaptable state based control system

An autonomous controller, comprised of a state knowledge manager, a control executor, hardware proxies and a statistical estimator collaborates with a goal elaborator, with which it shares common models of the behavior of the system and the controller. The elaborator uses the common models to generate from temporally indeterminate sets of goals, executable goals to be executed by the controller. The controller may be updated to operate in a different system or environment than that for which it was originally designed by the replacement of shared statistical models and by the instantiation of a new set of state variable objects derived from a state variable class. The adaptation of the controller does not require substantial modification of the goal elaborator for its application to the new system or environment.

Rasmussen, Robert D.↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Toughening of Boron Carbide Composites by Hierarchical Microstructuring

Due to a unique combination of properties including high hardness, low density, chemical and thermal stability, semi-conductivity, and high neutron absorption, boron carbide (B4C) is a potential candidate for various applications involving extreme environment. However, B4C’s current application is limited because of its low fracture toughness. In this study, a hierarchical microstructure design with features including TiB2 grains and graphite platelets was used to toughen B4C by simultaneously utilizing multiple toughening mechanisms including crack deflection, bridging, and micro-crack toughening. Using field-assisted sintering technology (FAST), B4C composites with dense and hierarchical microstructure were fabricated. Previously, the fracture toughness of fabricated B4C composites was measured at micro-scale using micro-indentation to have up to 56% improvement. In this work, the B4C composites’ fracture toughness was characterized at macro-scale using four-point bending methods and compared with previous results obtained at micro-scale. Micromechanics modeling of fracture behaviors for B4C-TiB2 composites was also performed to evaluate the contributions from experimentally observed toughening mechanisms. From four-point bending tests, B4C composites reinforced with both TiB2 grains (~15 vol%) and graphite platelets (~8.7 vol%) exhibited the highest fracture toughness enhancement from 2.38 to 3.65 MPa∙m^(1/2). The measured values were lower than those obtained using micro-indentation but maintained the general trends. The discrepancy between the indentation and four-point bending test results originated from the complex deformation behaviors triggered by the high contact load during indentation tests. Through micromechanics modeling, introduced thermal residual stress due to thermal expansion mismatch between B4C and TiB2, and weak interphases at B4C-TiB2 boundaries were identified as the main causes for experimentally observed toughness enhancement. These results proved the effectiveness of hierarchical microstructure designs for B4C toughening and can provide reference for the future design of B4C composites with optimized microstructures for further fracture toughness enhancement.

composites↗

NASA NTRS1987

Qualitative and temporal reasoning in engine behavior analysis

Numerical simulation models, engine experts, and experimental data are used to generate qualitative and temporal representations of abnormal engine behavior. Engine parameters monitored during operation are used to generate qualitative and temporal representations of actual engine behavior. Similarities between the representations of failure scenarios and the actual engine behavior are used to diagnose fault conditions which have already occurred, or are about to occur; to increase the surveillance by the monitoring system of relevant engine parameters; and to predict likely future engine behavior.

Dietz, W. E.↗