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At least 73 records · Page 4

The finite element duct eigenvalue problem - An improved formulation with Hermitian elements and no-flow condensation

Hermitian elements are used in a finite element solution for the eigenvalue problem in lined ducts with flow. These elements give significantly greater accuracy for reduced dimensionality when compared with Lagrangian elements. Spurious mode generation associated with the Lagrangian formulation is eliminated. A dramatic improvement in the ratio of the number of reliable eigenvalues to the total number of computed eigenvalues is effected by the use of a condensation scheme based on the no-flow eigenvectors. Results are presented for two dimensional and axisymmetric ducts. In the axisymmetric case good resolution is obtained even for high order, high frequency modes by the use of continuously graded meshes.

Astley, R. J.↗

Engine dynamic analysis with general nonlinear finite element codes. Part 2: Bearing element implementation overall numerical characteristics and benchmaking

Finite element codes are used in modelling rotor-bearing-stator structure common to the turbine industry. Engine dynamic simulation is used by developing strategies which enable the use of available finite element codes. benchmarking the elements developed are benchmarked by incorporation into a general purpose code (ADINA); the numerical characteristics of finite element type rotor-bearing-stator simulations are evaluated through the use of various types of explicit/implicit numerical integration operators. Improving the overall numerical efficiency of the procedure is improved.

Padovan, J.↗

Effect of element size on the solution accuracies of finite-element heat transfer and thermal stress analyses of space shuttle orbiter

The effect of element size on the solution accuracies of finite-element heat transfer and thermal stress analyses of space shuttle orbiter was investigated. Several structural performance and resizing (SPAR) thermal models and NASA structural analysis (NASTRAN) structural models were set up for the orbiter wing midspan bay 3. The thermal model was found to be the one that determines the limit of finite-element fineness because of the limitation of computational core space required for the radiation view factor calculations. The thermal stresses were found to be extremely sensitive to a slight variation of structural temperature distributions. The minimum degree of element fineness required for the thermal model to yield reasonably accurate solutions was established. The radiation view factor computation time was found to be insignificant compared with the total computer time required for the SPAR transient heat transfer analysis.

Ko, William L.↗

Finite element analysis in fluids; Proceedings of the Seventh International Conference on Finite Element Methods in Flow Problems, University of Alabama, Huntsville, Apr. 3-7, 1989

Recent advances in computational fluid dynamics are examined in reviews and reports, with an emphasis on finite-element methods. Sections are devoted to adaptive meshes, atmospheric dynamics, combustion, compressible flows, control-volume finite elements, crystal growth, domain decomposition, EM-field problems, FDM/FEM, and fluid-structure interactions. Consideration is given to free-boundary problems with heat transfer, free surface flow, geophysical flow problems, heat and mass transfer, high-speed flow, incompressible flow, inverse design methods, MHD problems, the mathematics of finite elements, and mesh generation. Also discussed are mixed finite elements, multigrid methods, non-Newtonian fluids, numerical dissipation, parallel vector processing, reservoir simulation, seepage, shallow-water problems, spectral methods, supercomputer architectures, three-dimensional problems, and turbulent flows.

Chung, T. J.↗

Analysis of near-field Cassegrain reflector - Plane wave versus element-by-element approach

A near-field Cassegrain reflector (NFCR) is an effective way to magnify a small phased array into a much larger-aperture antenna for limited scan applications. Traditionally the pattern analysis of NFCR is based on a plane wave approach, which simplifies the computation tremendously, but fails to provide design information about the most critical component of the whole antenna system, the feed array. Currently available computers make it possible to calculate the pattern of an NFCR by a more exact element-by-element approach. Each element in the feed array is considered individually, and the diffraction pattern from the subreflector is calculated by the geometrical theory of diffraction (including uniform theories at the shadow boundaries). The field contributions from all elements are superimposed at the curved main reflector surface, and a physical-optics integration is performed to obtain the secondary pattern.

Houshmand, Bijan↗

A novel approach in formulation of special transition elements: Mesh interface elements

The objective of this research program is in the development of more accurate and efficient methods for solution of singular problems encountered in various branches of mechanics. The research program can be categorized under three levels. The first two levels involve the formulation of a new class of elements called 'mesh interface elements' (MIE) to connect meshes of traditional elements either in three dimensions or in three and two dimensions. The finite element formulations are based on boolean sum and blending operators. MEI are being formulated and tested in this research to account for the steep gradients encountered in aircraft and space structure applications. At present, the heat transfer and structural analysis problems are being formulated from uncoupled theory point of view. The status report: (1) summarizes formulation for heat transfer and structural analysis; (2) explains formulation of MEI; (3) examines computational efficiency; and (4) shows verification examples.

Sarigul, Nesrin↗

A two dimensional interface element for coupling of independently modeled three dimensional finite element meshes and extensions to dynamic and non-linear regimes

The work reported here pertains only to the first year of research for a three year proposal period. As a prelude to this two dimensional interface element, the one dimensional element was tested and errors were discovered in the code for built-up structures and curved interfaces. These errors were corrected and the benchmark Boeing composite crown panel was analyzed successfully. A study of various splines led to the conclusion that cubic B-splines best suit this interface element application. A least squares approach combined with cubic B-splines was constructed to make a smooth function from the noisy data obtained with random error in the coordinate data points of the Boeing crown panel analysis. Preliminary investigations for the formulation of discontinuous 2-D shell and 3-D solid elements were conducted.

Aminpour, Mohammad↗

High-Resolution Genuinely Multidimensional Solution of Conservation Laws by the Space-Time Conservation Element and Solution Element Method

In this overview paper, we review the basic principles of the method of space-time conservation element and solution element for solving the conservation laws in one and two spatial dimensions. The present method is developed on the basis of local and global flux conservation in a space-time domain, in which space and time are treated in a unified manner. In contrast to the modern upwind schemes, the approach here does not use the Riemann solver and the reconstruction procedure as the building blocks. The drawbacks of the upwind approach, such as the difficulty of rationally extending the 1D scalar approach to systems of equations and particularly to multiple dimensions is here contrasted with the uniformity and ease of generalization of the Conservation Element and Solution Element (CE/SE) 1D scalar schemes to systems of equations and to multiple spatial dimensions. The assured compatibility with the simplest type of unstructured meshes, and the uniquely simple nonreflecting boundary conditions of the present method are also discussed. The present approach has yielded high-resolution shocks, rarefaction waves, acoustic waves, vortices, ZND detonation waves, and shock/acoustic waves/vortices interactions. Moreover, since no directional splitting is employed, numerical resolution of two-dimensional calculations is comparable to that of the one-dimensional calculations. Some sample applications displaying the strengths and broad applicability of the CE/SE method are reviewed.

Himansu, Ananda↗

Core-Mantle Partitioning of Volatile Elements and the Origin of Volatile Elements in Earth and Moon

Depletions of volatile siderophile elements (VSE; Ga, Ge, In, As, Sb, Sn, Bi, Zn, Cu, Cd) in mantles of Earth and Moon, constrain the origin of volatile elements in these bodies, and the overall depletion of volatile elements in Moon relative to Earth. A satisfactory explanation has remained elusive [1,2]. We examine the depletions of VSE in Earth and Moon and quantify the amount of depletion due to core formation and volatility of potential building blocks. We calculate the composition of the Earth's PUM during continuous accretion scenarios with constant and variable fO2. Results suggest that the VSE can be explained by a rather simple scenario of continuous accretion leading to a high PT metal-silicate equilibrium scenario that establishes the siderophile element content of Earth's PUM near the end of accretion [3]. Core formation models for the Moon explain most VSE, but calculated contents of In, Sn, and Zn (all with Tc < 750 K) are all still too high after core formation, and must therefore require an additional process to explain the depletions in the lunar mantle. We discuss possible processes including magmatic degassing, evaporation, condensation, and vapor-liquid fractionation in the lunar disk.

Righter, Kevin↗

A Comparison of the Measured Scattering Matrix Elements of Polydisperse Systems of Irregular Particles with the Matrix Elements Calculated for Spheres that Have the Same Distribution of Projected Areas

The elements of the scattering or Mueller Matrix for three polydisperse systems of irregular, randomly-oriented particles have been measured in absolute terms as a function of scattering angle for several visible wavelengths. The samples consisted of commercially available silicon dioxide particles that fit three distinct lognormal size distributions. The measured matrix elements were compared with the matrix elements calculated for spheres that had the same refractive index and fitted the same distribution of projected areas. Correlations and discrepancies between the two sets of matrix elements will be discussed.

Holland, A. C.↗

EDS-PhaSe: Phase Segmentation and Analysis from EDS Elemental Map Images Using Markers of Elemental Segregation

Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), combined with energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), is an extensively used technique for in-depth microstructural analysis. Here, we present the EDS-Phase Segmentation (EDS-PhaSe) tool that enables phase segmentation and phase analysis using the EDS elemental map images. Importantly, it converts the EDS map images into estimated composition maps for calculating markers of selective elemental redistribution in the scanned area and creates a phase-segmented micrograph while providing approximate fraction and composition of each identified phase. EDS-PhaSe offers two unique advantages. Firstly, it enables the direct processing of EDS elemental map images without requiring any raw or proprietary data/software, thereby allowing the analysis of EDS results available in the published literature as images. Secondly, it enables segmentation and analysis of phases even when the phase contrast is missing in backscattered micrographs, assisting in correlating the XRD and SEM-EDS data as shown in this work for a AlCoCrFeNi high-entropy alloy.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

X-ray Fluorescence Microscopy to Develop Elemental Classifiers and Investigate Elemental Signatures in BALB/c Mouse Intestine a Week after Exposure to 8 Gy of Gamma Rays

Iron redistribution in the intestine after total body irradiation is an established phenomenon. However, in the literature, there are no reports about the use of X-ray fluorescence microscopy or equivalent techniques to generate semi-quantitative 2D maps of iron in sectioned intestine samples from irradiated mice. In this work, we used X-ray fluorescence microscopy (XFM) to map the elemental content of iron as well as phosphorus, sulfur, calcium, copper and zinc in tissue sections of the small intestine from eight-week-old BALB/c male mice that developed gastrointestinal acute radiation syndrome (GI-ARS) in response to exposure to 8 Gray of gamma rays. Seven days after irradiation, we found that the majority of the iron is localized as hot spots in the intercellular regions of the area surrounding crypts and stretching between the outer perimeter of the intestine and the surface cell layer of villi. In addition, this study represents our current efforts to develop elemental cell classifiers that could be used for the automated generation of regions of interest for analyses of X-ray fluorescence maps. Once developed, such a tool will be instrumental for studies of effects of radiation and other toxicants on the elemental content in cells and tissues. While XFM studies cannot be conducted on living organisms, it is possible to envision future scenarios where XFM imaging of single cells sloughed from the human (or rodent) intestine could be used to follow up on the progression of GI-ARS.

X-ray fluorescence microscopy↗

Production of anhydrous ƒ-element fluorides through the ionothermal treatment of ƒ-element oxalates

The pivotal role of uranium and plutonium fluorides in the nuclear fuel cycle, particularly in the pyrochemical reduction process, is well recognized. Traditionally, the fluorination of uranium and plutonium materials relies on the use of highly toxic and corrosive gases (e.g., HF (g) , F 2(g) ). Herein, we present an alternative approach using the ionic liquid 1‑butyl‑3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate ([Bmim][PF 6 ] (l) ) and/or hexafluorophosphoric acid (HPF 6(aq) ) as fluorinating agents for the ƒ-element oxalates M$^{III}_{2}$(C 2 O 4 ) 3 ∙ 9H 2 O (s) M$^{III}_{2}$(C 2 O 4 ) 3 ∙ 9H 2 O (s) (M III = Ce, Pu) and M IV (C 2 O 4 ) 2 ∙ 6H 2 O (s) (M IV = Th, U). Our findings demonstrate that [Bmim][PF 6 ] (l) and HPF 6(aq) enable the ionothermal fluorination of ƒ-element oxalates, resulting in the formation of anhydrous CeF 3(s) , ThF 4(s) , and UF 4(s) within 2 hours at 200 °C. This method also facilitates the partial fluorination of plutonium(III) oxalate, yielding a mixture of anhydrous PuF 3(s) and an unidentified phase. Overall, the ionothermal treatment approach offers a safer and more efficient means of producing anhydrous ƒ-element fluorides than conventional methods involving hazardous gases. In addition, we describe the morphology of UF 4(s) materials as a function of production route and demonstrate the presence of morphological signatures that could be used during a nuclear forensic investigation.

Cerium↗

Evaluation of the use of a singularity element in finite element analysis of center-cracked plates

Two different methods are applied to the analyses of finite width linear elastic plates with central cracks. Both methods give displacements as a primary part of the solution. One method makes use of Fourier transforms. The second method employs a coarse mesh of triangular second-order finite elements in conjunction with a single singularity element subjected to appropriate additional constraints. The displacements obtained by these two methods are in very good agreement. The results suggest considerable potential for the use of a cracked element for related crack problems, particularly in connection with the extension to nonlinear material behavior.

Mendelson, A.↗

Superheavy elements - An early solar system upper limit for elements 107 to 110

The abundance of samarium-152 in the Santa Clara iron meteorite is found to be 108 x 10 to the 7th atoms per gram. This quantity, if attributed to fission of a superheavy element with atomic number 107 to 109, limits the amount of superheavy elements in the early solar system to 0.000017 times the abundance of uranium-238. For element 110, the limit is 0.000034.

Nozette, S.↗

Slave finite elements: The temporal element approach to nonlinear analysis

A formulation method for finite elements in space and time incorporating nonlinear geometric and material behavior is presented. The method uses interpolation polynomials for approximating the behavior of various quantities over the element domain, and only explicit integration over space and time. While applications are general, the plate and shell elements that are currently being programmed are appropriate to model turbine blades, vanes, and combustor liners.

Gellin, S.↗