Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “numerical analysis”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 685 records · Page 38

An advanced probabilistic structural analysis method for implicit performance functions

In probabilistic structural analysis, the performance or response functions usually are implicitly defined and must be solved by numerical analysis methods such as finite element methods. In such cases, the most commonly used probabilistic analysis tool is the mean-based, second-moment method which provides only the first two statistical moments. This paper presents a generalized advanced mean value (AMV) method which is capable of establishing the distributions to provide additional information for reliability design. The method requires slightly more computations than the second-moment method but is highly efficient relative to the other alternative methods. In particular, the examples show that the AMV method can be used to solve problems involving non-monotonic functions that result in truncated distributions.

Wu, Y.-T.↗

Robust integration schemes for generalized viscoplasticity with internal-state variables. Part 1: Theoretical developments and applications

This two-part report is concerned with the development of a general framework for the implicit time-stepping integrators for the flow and evolution equations in generalized viscoplastic models. The primary goal is to present a complete theoretical formulation, and to address in detail the algorithmic and numerical analysis aspects involved in its finite element implementation, as well as to critically assess the numerical performance of the developed schemes in a comprehensive set of test cases. On the theoretical side, the general framework is developed on the basis of the unconditionally-stable, backward-Euler difference scheme as a starting point. Its mathematical structure is of sufficient generality to allow a unified treatment of different classes of viscoplastic models with internal variables. In particular, two specific models of this type, which are representative of the present start-of-art in metal viscoplasticity, are considered in applications reported here; i.e., fully associative (GVIPS) and non-associative (NAV) models. The matrix forms developed for both these models are directly applicable for both initially isotropic and anisotropic materials, in general (three-dimensional) situations as well as subspace applications (i.e., plane stress/strain, axisymmetric, generalized plane stress in shells). On the computational side, issues related to efficiency and robustness are emphasized in developing the (local) interative algorithm. In particular, closed-form expressions for residual vectors and (consistent) material tangent stiffness arrays are given explicitly for both GVIPS and NAV models, with their maximum sizes 'optimized' to depend only on the number of independent stress components (but independent of the number of viscoplastic internal state parameters). Significant robustness of the local iterative solution is provided by complementing the basic Newton-Raphson scheme with a line-search strategy for convergence. In the present first part of the report, we focus on the theoretical developments, and discussions of the results of numerical-performance studies using the integration schemes for GVIPS and NAV models.

Saleeb, Atef F.↗

Robust integration schemes for generalized viscoplasticity with internal-state variables. Part 2: Algorithmic developments and implementation

This two-part report is concerned with the development of a general framework for the implicit time-stepping integrators for the flow and evolution equations in generalized viscoplastic models. The primary goal is to present a complete theoretical formulation, and to address in detail the algorithmic and numerical analysis aspects involved in its finite element implementation, as well as to critically assess the numerical performance of the developed schemes in a comprehensive set of test cases. On the theoretical side, the general framework is developed on the basis of the unconditionally-stable, backward-Euler difference scheme as a starting point. Its mathematical structure is of sufficient generality to allow a unified treatment of different classes of viscoplastic models with internal variables. In particular, two specific models of this type, which are representative of the present start-of-art in metal viscoplasticity, are considered in applications reported here; i.e., fully associative (GVIPS) and non-associative (NAV) models. The matrix forms developed for both these models are directly applicable for both initially isotropic and anisotropic materials, in general (three-dimensional) situations as well as subspace applications (i.e., plane stress/strain, axisymmetric, generalized plane stress in shells). On the computational side, issues related to efficiency and robustness are emphasized in developing the (local) interative algorithm. In particular, closed-form expressions for residual vectors and (consistent) material tangent stiffness arrays are given explicitly for both GVIPS and NAV models, with their maximum sizes 'optimized' to depend only on the number of independent stress components (but independent of the number of viscoplastic internal state parameters). Significant robustness of the local iterative solution is provided by complementing the basic Newton-Raphson scheme with a line-search strategy for convergence. In the present second part of the report, we focus on the specific details of the numerical schemes, and associated computer algorithms, for the finite-element implementation of GVIPS and NAV models.

Li, Wei↗

Formulation of a dynamic analysis method for a generic family of hoop-mast antenna systems

Analytical studies of mast-cable-hoop-membrane type antennas were conducted using a transfer matrix numerical analysis approach. This method, by virtue of its specialization and the inherently easy compartmentalization of the formulation and numerical procedures, can be significantly more efficient in computer time required and in the time needed to review and interpret the results.

Gabriele, A.↗

Application of a new adaptive grid for aerodynamic analysis of shock containing single jets

A fast and robust solution-adaptive grid generation method has been developed for the three-dimensional numerical analysis of shock containing supersonic jets. The adaptive grid algorithm, which is based on the equidistribution principle and the alternate direction method, has been fully integrated with the space marching scheme developed by Abdol-Hamid (1989). The capability of the approach proposed here is illustrated by numerical solutions for circular, square, and elliptic jet plumes.

Pao, S. Paul↗

Structural analysis consultation using artificial intelligence

The primary goal of consultation is definition of the best strategy to deal with a structural engineering analysis objective. The knowledge base to meet the need is designed to identify the type of numerical analysis, the needed modeling detail, and specific analysis data required. Decisions are constructed on the basis of the data in the knowledge base - material behavior, relations between geometry and structural behavior, measures of the importance of time and temperature changes - and user supplied specifics characteristics of the spectrum of analysis types, the relation between accuracy and model detail on the structure, its mechanical loadings, and its temperature states. Existing software demonstrated the feasibility of the approach, encompassing the 36 analysis classes spanning nonlinear, temperature affected, incremental analyses which track the behavior of structural systems.

Melosh, R. J.↗

Systems identification technology development for large space systems

A methodology for synthesizinng systems identification, both parameter and state, estimation and related control schemes for flexible aerospace structures is developed with emphasis on the Maypole hoop column antenna as a real world application. Modeling studies of the Maypole cable hoop membrane type antenna are conducted using a transfer matrix numerical analysis approach. This methodology was chosen as particularly well suited for handling a large number of antenna configurations of a generic type. A dedicated transfer matrix analysis, both by virtue of its specialization and the inherently easy compartmentalization of the formulation and numerical procedures, is significantly more efficient not only in computer time required but, more importantly, in the time needed to review and interpret the results.

Armstrong, E. S.↗

Transient natural convection heat and mass transfer in crystal growth

A numerical analysis of transient combined heat and mass transfer across a rectangular cavity is performed by a numerical method based on the SIMPLE algorithm. The physical parameters are selected to represent a range of possible crystal growth in solutions. Numerical results are compared with available experimental data to confirm the accuracy of the results. Good qualitative agreements are obtained for the average mass transfer rate across the cavity. Also, qualitative agreements are observed for the global development of thermal and solute fields. It is found that the thermal and solute fields become highly oscillatory when the thermal and solute Grashof numbers are large. Oscillations are probably caused by a number of different instability mechanisms. By reducing the gravity some of these instabilities were made to disappear at the lower Grashof numbers. Transient temperature and solute distribution near the crystal growing surface are highly non-uniform at the higher Grashof numbers. These non-uniformities are less severe in the reduced gravity environments but still exist. The effects of convection on the rate of average mass transfer are more than one order of magnitude higher than those of conduction in the range of Grashof numbers studied. Dependency of mass transfer rate on the Grashof number indicates that the convection effects many not be negligible even in the microgravity environments for the range of parameters investigated.

Han, Samuel S.↗

Surface Tension Driven Convection Experiment (STDCE)

This document reports the results obtained from the Surface Tension Driven Convection Experiment (STDCE) conducted aboard the USML-1 Spacelab in 1992. The experiments used 10 cSt silicone oil placed in an open circular container that was 10 cm wide and 5 cm deep. Thermocapillary flow was induced by using either a cylindrical heater placed along the container centerline or by a CO2 laser. The tests were conducted under various power settings, laser beam diameters, and free surface shapes. Thermistors located at various positions in the test section recorded the temperature of the fluid, heater, walls, and air. An infrared imager was used to measure the free surface temperature. The flow field was studied by flow visualization and the data was analyzed by a PTV technique. The results from the flow visualization and the temperature measurements are compared with the numerical analysis that was conducted in conjunction with the experiment. The compared results include the experimental and numerical velocity vector plots, the streamline plots, the fluid temperature, and the surface temperature distribution.

Ostrach, S.↗

Numerical electromagnetic frequency domain analysis with discrete exterior calculus

In this paper, we perform a numerical analysis in frequency domain for various electromagnetic problems based on discrete exterior calculus (DEC) with an arbitrary 2-D triangular or 3-D tetrahedral mesh. We formulate the governing equations in terms of DEC for 3-D and 2-D inhomogeneous structures, and also show that the charge continuity relation is naturally satisfied. Then we introduce a general construction for signed dual volume to incorporate material information and take into account the case when circumcenters fall outside triangles or tetrahedrons, which may lead to negative dual volume without Delaunay triangulation. Then we examine the boundary terms induced by the dual mesh and provide a systematical treatment of various boundary conditions, including perfect magnetic conductor (PMC), perfect electric conductor (PEC), Dirichlet, periodic, and absorbing boundary conditions (ABC) within this method. An excellent agreement is achieved through the numerical calculation of several problems, including homogeneous waveguides, microstructured fibers, photonic crystals, scattering by a 2-D PEC, and resonant cavities. - Highlights: • The formulation of 2D and 3D electromagnetic equations with DEC are presented. • Characteristic Hodge stars are constructed without well-centered triangulation or Delaunay triangulation. • Systematical treatment of various boundary conditions, including PMC, PEC, periodic, and absorbing boundary conditions. • Switching between E to H field can change PEC from essential boundary condition to natural boundary condition. • Quality factor of an open dielectric sphere is considered.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Error analysis of finite element solutions for postbuckled plates

An error analysis of results from finite-element solutions of problems in shell structures is further developed, incorporating the results of an additional numerical analysis by which oscillatory behavior is eliminated. The theory is extended to plates with initial geometric imperfections, and this novel analysis is programmed as a postprocessor for a general-purpose finite-element code. Numerical results are given for the case of a stiffened panel in compression and a plate loaded in shear by a 'picture-frame' test fixture.

Sistla, Rajaram↗

Area of Interest 1, CO 2 at the Interface: Nature and Dynamics of the Reservoir/Caprock Contact and Implications for Carbon Storage Performance

We examined the influence of geologic features present at the reservoir/caprock interface on the transmission of supercritical CO 2 into and through caprock. We focused on the case of deformation-band faults in reservoir lithologies that intersect the interface and transition to opening-mode fractures in caprock lithologies. Deformation-band faults are exceeding common in potential CO 2 injection units and our fieldwork in Utah indicates that this sort of transition is common. To quantify the impact of these interface features on flow and transport we first described the sedimentology and permeability characteristics of selected sites along the Navajo Sandstone (reservoir lithology) and Carmel Formation (caprock lithology) interface, and along the Slickrock Member (reservoir lithology) and Earthy Member (caprock lithology) of the Entrada Sandstone interface, and used this information to construct conceptual permeability models for numerical analysis. We then examined the impact of these structures on flow using single-phase and multiphase numerical flow models for these study sites. Key findings include: (1) Deformation-band faults strongly compartmentalize the reservoir and largely block cross-fault flow of supercritical CO 2 . (2) Significant flow of CO 2 through the fractures is possible, however, the magnitude is dependent on the small-scale geometry of the contact between the opening-mode fracture and the deformation band fault. (3) Due to the presence of permeable units in the caprock, caprock units are capable of storing significant volumes of CO 2 , particularly when the fracture network does not extend all the way through the caprock. The large-scale distribution of these deformation-bandfault-to-opening-mode-fractures is related to the curvature of the beds, with greater densities of fractures in high curvature regions. We also examined core and outcrops from the Mount Simon Sandstone and Eau Claire Formation reservoir/caprock interface in order to extend our work to a reservoir/caprock pair this is currently being assessed for long-term carbon storage. These analyses indicate that interface features similar to those observed at the Utah sites 3 were not observed. Although not directly related to our main study topic, one byproduct of our investigation is documentation of exceptionally high degrees of heterogeneity in the pore-size distribution of the Mount Simon Sandstone. This suggests that the unit has a greater-than-normal potential for residual trapping of supercritical CO 2 .

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Earth resources interactive processing system

System allows for processing and analysis of remotely-sensed Earth resources data. System may be modified for other sensors and allows numerous analysis functions on various types of image data.

Source record↗

Spectral analysis of linear, shift-invariant interpolants

The use of a spectral analysis technique to evaluate the reconstruction/interpolation performance of linear, shift-invariant interpolants is examined. The technique was utilized to measure the performance of cubic hermite, quintic hermite, exponential, cubic, spline, Nu, PCC, Keys cubic, and BAWA cubic interpolants. The performance criterion is based upon the mean square error of the difference between the sampled and reconstructed functions. The reconstruction properties, interpolation functions, and reconstruction filters for the interpolants are studied and compared. It is noted that the spectral analysis technique is applicable to reconstruction algorithms used in signal and image processes, and interpolants used in numerical analysis, computer-aided design, and computer graphics.

Lansing, Donald L.↗

Temporal model of an optically pumped co-doped solid state laser

Currently, research is being conducted on the optical properties of materials associated with the development of solid state lasers in the two micron region. In support of this effort, a mathematical model describing the energy transfer in a holmium laser sensitized with thulium is developed. In this paper, we establish some qualitative properties of the solution of the model, such as non-negativity, boundedness, and integrability. A local stability analysis is then performed from which conditions for asymptotic stability are attained. Finally, we report on our numerical analysis of the system and how it compares with experimental results.

Wangler, T. G.↗

Flashback characterization of additively manufactured swirl-stabilized fuel injector with varying surface roughness

This work investigates the effects of as-built surface roughness on the flashback propensity in additively manufactured (AM) swirl-stabilized lean premixed (LPM) fuel injectors. Adoption of AM for rapid prototyping and fabrication of complex fuel-flexible injector designs requires investigating surface roughness effects on the flow and flame stability characteristics of the combustor. Wall roughness increases the near-wall shear, which could alter the boundary layer structure and change the propensity for flame flashback. Accounting for the realistic as-built surface roughness is crucial in carrying out computational modeling and experimental analysis to establish a feedback loop for the precision designing of fuel-flexible injectors. The presented numerical analysis of as-built AM injector is an essential consideration to optimize injector design for aerodynamics and additive manufacturability.

Mohanty, Pratikshya↗

Assessment of Mixer-Ejector Nozzle with Thermal Acoustic Shield for Jet Noise Reduction

A tendency for excessive exhaust jet mixing noise from low bypass ratio turbofan engines is recognized as a key challenge in the design of commercial supersonic aircraft. In this work we investigate a unique combination of two noise mitigation methods as a novel strategy to reduce jet mixing noise. First, a thermal acoustic shield (TAS) is used to reflect high frequency acoustic waves at small angles to the jet axis; second, a mixer-ejector (ME) nozzle is used to mechanically shield noise propagating at large angles to the axis. The ME shroud also provides a convenient location for a TAS nozzle and improves TAS effectiveness by limiting the downstream extent of high frequency noise generation. In an additional benefit for a velocity-matched TAS stream, the ME allows a reduction in strength of the TAS outer shear layer which could serve as a secondary noise source. The present work provides a quantitative assessment of the ME-TAS concept, using a combination of RANS CFD simulations, acoustic analogy calculations for the farfield Green's function, and surrogate-based modeling and parameter space exploration. We first evaluate a subscale configuration, then use scaling arguments to apply subscale results to the systems-level analysis of a flight configuration; the latter configuration includes a generic low bypass ratio turbofan engine with an engine-driven electric generator for supplementary heating of the TAS stream. Additional RANS CFD calculations are performed for a notional ME-TAS geometry based on the full scale configuration, and various modeling assumptions and operational characteristics are evaluated. The ME-TAS concept is shown to provide effective shielding for high frequency jet noise, and should enable comparable noise suppression to a stand-alone ME of considerably greater length, weight and drag. In addition to investigating the integrated ME-TAS system, the present work differs from previous research into TAS and related fluidic shield concepts through the inclusion of modern numerical analysis tools and the systematic numerical examination of various design parameters.

thermal acoustic shield↗