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At least 73 records · Page 4

BUCLAP2: A computer program for instability analysis of laminated long plates subjected to combined inplane loads

This program description document describes the program structure and the design details of a CDC 6600 FORTRAN 4 digital computer program, BUCLAP2, which uses minimum energy principles to do an elastic stability analysis of curved and flat laminated rectangular long plates subjected to combined inplane normal and shear loads. Given the geometry, the material properties, and slected boundary conditions for the plate element, the program calculates the minimum buckling load for various wave lengths. The two parallel ends of the program calculates the minimum buckling load for various wave lengths. The two parallel ends of the long plate must be simply supported and arbitrary elastic boundary conditions may be imposed along either one or both external longitudinal sides. For guide to program use, see

Halstead, D. W.↗

Challenges in Rotor Aerodynamic Modeling for Non-Uniform Inflow Conditions

Within an international collaboration framework, the accuracy of rotor aerodynamic models used for design load calculations of wind turbines is being assessed. Where the use of high-fidelity computation fluid dynamics (CFD) and mid-fidelity free-vortex wake (FVW) models has become commonplace within the wind energy community, these still fail to meet the requirements in terms of execution time and computational cost needed for design load calculations. The fast but engineering fidelity blade-element/momentum (BEM) method can therefore still be considered the industry workhorse for design load simulations. At the same time, upscaling of wind turbine rotors makes inflow non-uniformities (e.g. shear, veer, turbulence) more important. The objective of this work is to assess model accuracy in non-uniform inflow conditions, which violate several BEM assumptions. Thereto a comparison in turbulent inflow has been executed including a wide variety of codes, focusing on the DanAero field measurements, where a 2.3-MW turbine was equipped with, among other sensors, a pressure measurement apparatus. The results indicate that, although average load patterns are in good agreement, this does not hold for the unsteady loads that drive fatigue damage and aero-elastic stability. A simplified comparison round in vertical shear was initiated to investigate the observed differences in a more controlled manner. A consistent offset in load amplitude was observed between CFD and free-vortex codes on the one hand and BEM-type codes on the other hand. To shed more light on the observations, dedicated efforts are ongoing to pinpoint the cause for these differences, in the end leading to guidelines for an improved BEM implementation.

17 WIND ENERGY↗

The use of models in structural testing.

The design, construction and instrumentation of plastic model shells used in elastic stability studies is discussed. The work demonstrates that specimens made of such materials are of great value in parametric studies because of their ease of manufacture and the simplicity of modification. Additionally, it is shown that they are most useful in the development of nondestructive test techniques. The paper indicates how deformation measurements made at low load levels can be used to accurately predict critical conditions.

Horton, W. H.↗

Recent advances in engineering science; Proceedings of the A. Cemal Eringen Symposium, University of California, Berkeley, June 20-22, 1988

Various papers on recent advances in engineering science are presented. Some individual topics addressed include: advances in adaptive methods in computational fluid mechanics, mixtures of two medicomorphic materials, computer tests of rubber elasticity, shear bands in isotropic micropolar elastic materials, nonlinear surface wave and resonator effects in magnetostrictive crystals, simulation of electrically enhanced fibrous filtration, plasticity theory of granular materials, dynamics of viscoelastic media with internal oscillators, postcritical behavior of a cantilever bar, boundary value problems in nonlocal elasticity, stability of flexible structures with random parameters, electromagnetic tornadoes in earth's ionosphere and magnetosphere, helicity fluctuations and the energy cascade in turbulence, mechanics of interfacial zones in bonded materials, propagation of a normal shock in a varying area duct, analytical mechanics of fracture and fatigue.

Koh, Severino L.↗

A study of the Lute Metering Structure

Two Metering Structure configurations were investigated. The first case was the traditional style metering structure which is larger than the outside diameter of the primary mirror. The second case investigated was the center support concept in which the outside diameter of the structure is less than the inside diameter of the primary mirror. Beryllium was used as the baseline material for this study. Four other materials were considered as candidates for the metering structure. These materials are: Graphite Epoxy, Aluminum, Titanium, and Invar. The loading conditions used for this study were estimated to be: Quasi Static: 6.0 G (all three directions); and Random Vibration: 30.0 G (applied 1 axis at a time). Taking advantage of symmetry, it was necessary to apply the lateral loading to only one axis. These loads were applied to both concepts and to all material configurations. The loadings as described above were based on the best available information and is felt to be adequate for this study since it was consistently used for all configurations. A load factor 2.00 was applied to both quasi static and random vibration loads. The allowable stresses are conservatively based yield strength of the material, except for the struts which are controlled by elastic stability. The stresses determined from each individual loading direction were conservatively combined by the absolute sum method.

Foreman, James W.↗

Elastic Instability of Members Having Sections Common in Aircraft Construction

Two fundamental problems of elastic stability are discussed in this report. In part one formulas are given for calculating the critical stress at which a thin, outstanding flange of a compression member will either wrinkle into several waves or form into a single half wave and twist the member about its longitudinal axis. A mathematical study of the problem, which together with experimental work has led to these formulas, is given in an appendix. Results of test substantiating the recommended formulas are also presented. In part two the lateral buckling of beams is discussed. The results of a number of mathematical studies of this phenomenon have been published prior to this writing, but very little experimentally determined information relating to the problem has been available heretofore. Experimental verification of the mathematical deductions is supplied.

Trayer, George W↗

Twisting failure of centrally loaded open-section columns in the elastic range

In the following report a complete theory of twisting failure by the energy method is developed, based on substantially the same assumptions as those employed by Wagner and Bleich. Problems treated in detail are: the stress and strain condition under St. Venant twist and in twist with axial constraint; the concept of shear center and the energy method for problems of elastic stability.

Kappus, Robert↗

On curve veering and flutter of rotating blades

The eigenvalues of rotating blades usually change with rotation speed according to the Stodola-Southwell criterion. Under certain circumstances, the loci of eigenvalues belonging to two distinct modes of vibration approach each other very closely, and it may appear as if the loci cross each other. However, our study indicates that the observable frequency loci of an undamped rotating blade do not cross, but must either repel each other (leading to 'curve veering'), or attract each other (leading to 'frequency coalescence'). Our results are reached by using standard arguments from algebraic geometry--the theory of algebraic curves and catastrophe theory. We conclude that it is important to resolve an apparent crossing of eigenvalue loci into either a frequency coalescence or a curve veering, because frequency coalescence is dangerous since it leads to flutter, whereas curve veering does not precipitate flutter and is, therefore, harmless with respect to elastic stability.

Afolabi, Dare↗

Simulation studies for surfaces and materials strength

Computer simulation studies were conducted to investigate materials properties. All the calculations were carried out using atomic level simulation techniques which are based on semiempirical or model functions. During this project, functions with varying degrees of complexity were derived and employed in simulations. Investigations include covalently bonded materials as well as systems involving metal atoms. For small clusters calculated results provided information on various energy- and structure-related properties along with vibrational characteristics. Also, energy barriers for configurational transitions were calculated for selected cases. Simulation calculations for surfaces produced new results in areas related to surface energies, reconstructions and relaxations, surface defects, surface stresses as well as adsorption and nucleation processes. Simulations were also performed on bulk materials. Calculated results provided an atomic level understanding on energetics and structures of point defects, crystal stability, elastic properties, and materials strength for various systems. Calculations involving polymeric materials include studies of polar polymer melts and polymer/solid interfaces. Simulations employing specially developed codes provided significant information about energetics and conformational characteristics of different polymeric chains.

Halicioglu, Timur↗

Glacier and Ice Shelves Studies Using Satellite SAR Interferometry

Satellite radar interferometry is a powerful technique to measure the surface velocity and topography of glacier ice. On ice shelves, a quadruple difference technique separates tidal motion from the steady creep flow deformation of ice. The results provide a wealth of information about glacier grounding lines , mass fluxes, stability, elastic properties of ice, and tidal regime. The grounding line, which is where the glacier detaches from its bed and becomes afloat, is detected with a precision of a few tens of meters. Combining this information with satellite radar altimetry makes it possible to measure glacier discharge into the ocean and state of mass balance with greater precision than ever before, and in turn provide a significant revision of past estimates of mass balance of the Greenland and Antarctic Ice Sheets. Analysis of creep rates on floating ice permits an estimation of basal melting at the ice shelf underside. The results reveal that the action of ocean water in sub-ice-shelf cavities has been largely underestimated by oceanographic models and is the dominant mode of mass release to the ocean from an ice shelf. Precise mapping of grounding line positions also permits the detection of grounding line migration, which is a fine indicator of glacier change, independent of our knowledge of snow accumulation and ice melting. This technique has been successfully used to detect the rapid retreat of Pine Island Glacier, the largest ice stream in West Antarctica. Finally, tidal motion of ice shelves measured interferometrically provides a modern, synoptic view of the physical processes which govern the formation of tabular icebergs in the Antarctic.

Rignot, Eric↗

Environmental Barrier Coatings for Ceramics and Ceramic Composites

One key factor that limits the performance of current gas turbine engines is the temperature capability of hot section structural components. Silicon-based ceramics, such as SiC/SiC composites and monolithic Si3N4, are leading candidates to replace superalloy hot section components in the next generation gas turbine engines due to their excellent high temperature properties. A major stumbling block to realizing Si-based ceramic hot section components is the recession of Si-based ceramics in combustion environments due to the volatilization of silica scale by water vapor. An external environmental barrier coating (EBC) is the most promising approach to preventing the recession. Current EBCs are based on silicon, mullite (3A12O3-2SiO2) and BSAS (barium strontium aluminum silicate with celsian structure). Volatility of BSAS, BSAS-silica chemical reaction, and low melting point of silicon limit the durability and temperature capability of current EBCs. Research is underway to develop EBCs with longer life and enhanced temperature capability. Understanding key issues affecting the performance of current EBCs is necessary for successful development of advanced EBCs. These issues include stress, chemical compatibility, adherence, and water vapor stability. Factors that affect stress are thermal expansion mismatch, phase stability, chemical stability, elastic modulus, etc. The current understanding on these issues will be discussed.

Lee, Kang N.↗

The Effect of Initial Displacement of the Center Support on the Buckling of a Column Continuous over Three Supports

The test indicate that "an indiscriminate single application of the Southwell method (for analyzing Exp. Observations in problems of elastic stability)--can result in definite and measurable errors" The test also indicate "that the effect of curvature due to bending on the critical load for the compression flange material of a box beam is probably small and can be neglected." We have not found this to be true in our tests. It is believed that the effect of curvature, together with a small amount of fixity at the ribs, tends to force the stiffeners to bow in each bay thus effectively increasing their end fixity and thereby raising their allowable loads.

Lunquist, Eugene E.↗

Analytical determination of the effect of structural elasticity on landing stability of a version of the Viking Lander

A limited analytical investigation was conducted to assess the effects of structural elasticity on the landing stability of a version of the Viking Lander. Two landing conditions and two lander mass and inertia distributions were considered. The results of this investigation show that the stability-critical surface slopes were lower for an uphill landing than for a downhill landing. In addition, the heavy footpad mass with its corresponding inertia distribution resulted in lower stability-critical ground slopes than were obtained for the light footpad mass and its corresponding inertia distribution. Structural elasticity was observed to have a large effect on the downhill landing stability of the light footpad mass configuration but had a negligible effect on the stability of the other configuration examined. Because of the limited nature of this study, care must be exercised in drawing conclusions from these results relative to the overall stability characteristics of the Viking Lander.

Laurenson, R. M.↗