Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “Structural 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 73 records · Page 4

Advanced methods for 3-D inelastic structural analysis for hot engine structures

Three-dimensional Inelastic Analysis Methods are described. These methods were incorporated into a series of new computer codes embodying a progression of mathematical models (mechanics of materials, specialty finite element, boundary element) for streamlined analysis of hot engine structures such as: (1) combustor liners, (2) turbine blades, and (3) turbine vanes. These models address the effects of high temperatures and thermal/mechanical loadings on the local (stress/strain) and global (displacements, frequencies, amplitudes, buckling) structural behavior of the three respective components. The methods and the three computer codes, referred to as MOMM (Mechanics Of Materials Model), MHOST (MARC-Hot Section Technology), and BEST3D (Boundary Element Stress Technology), have been developed and are briefly described.

Chamis, C. C.↗

An approximate methods approach to probabilistic structural analysis

A probabilistic structural analysis method (PSAM) is described which makes an approximate calculation of the structural response of a system, including the associated probabilistic distributions, with minimal computation time and cost, based on a simplified representation of the geometry, loads, and material. The method employs the fast probability integration (FPI) algorithm of Wu and Wirsching. Typical solution strategies are illustrated by formulations for a representative critical component chosen from the Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) as part of a major NASA-sponsored program on PSAM. Typical results are presented to demonstrate the role of the methodology in engineering design and analysis.

Mcclung, R. C.↗

Probalistic structural analysis methods for select space propulsion system structural components

A summary of the status of this five-year project which is now in its third year of research and development is presented. The goal of the project is the development of several methodologies for probabilistic structural modeling. Probabilistic structural modeling consists of stochastic models of material properties, part geometries, boundary conditions, as well as loading conditions. The current presentation focuses on one methodology - coupling of an advanced finite element structural analysis code with probabilistic modeling strategies. The essential algorithm developments for combining the finite element and probabilistic analysis methods are reported. The validity of the resulting probabilistic structural analysis method is confirmed through a series of test problems with exact results based on Monte Carlo simulations. Additionally, the applicability of the method to a Space Propulsion System (a turbine blade) is demonstrated for static stresses.

Cruse, T. A.↗

Structural Analysis of Shells

Structural Analysis of General Shells computer program STAGSC-1 analyzes thin shell branches or segments connected to one another along their boundaries. Program includes stress buckling, vibration and transient analysis of multisegment shells.

Almroth, B. O.↗

Crystal structure analysis of tungsten bronzes {beta}-SrTa{sub 2}O{sub 6} and {beta} Prime -SrTa{sub 2}O{sub 6} by synchrotron X-ray and neutron powder diffraction

Strontium ditantalum oxide SrTa{sub 2}O{sub 6} exists in {alpha}-, {beta}-, and {beta} Prime -polymorphs. Herein the crystal structures of the latter two were studied using synchrotron X-ray and constant-wavelength neutron powder diffraction. While {beta} Prime -SrTa{sub 2}O{sub 6} [space group P4/mbm, a=12.47099(1) A, c=3.898210(5) A, V=606.271(2) Angstrom-Sign {sup 3}, Z=5] belongs to the regular tetragonal tungsten bronze (TTB) family, it contains locally disordered strontium atoms within the pentagonal channel. {beta}-SrTa{sub 2}O{sub 6} [space group Pnam, a=12.36603(2) Angstrom-Sign , b=12.43467(2) A, c=7.72403(1) A, V=1187.705(4) Angstrom-Sign {sup 3}, Z=10] can be described as an orthorhombic modification of the TTB, where the octahedral tilting distortion effectively alleviates the bonding strains around TaO{sub 6} and SrO{sub 13} polyhedra. For comparison, rynersonite type {alpha}-SrTa{sub 2}O{sub 6} [space group Pnma, a=11.00610(6) Angstrom-Sign , b=7.63397(3) Angstrom-Sign , c=5.62634(3) Angstrom-Sign , V=472.727(5) Angstrom-Sign {sup 3}, and Z=4] is built from edge-shared dimer units of TaO{sub 6} octahedra. As measured by diffuse-reflection absorption spectroscopy, {alpha}-, {beta}-, and {beta} Prime -SrTa{sub 2}O{sub 6} have indirect band gap energies of 4.4, 4.0, and 3.8 eV, respectively. - Graphical Abstract: Difference Fourier map for {beta} Prime -SrTa{sub 2}O{sub 6} at z=0. Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Structure refinements of {beta}-SrTa{sub 2}O{sub 6} and {beta} Prime -SrTa{sub 2}O{sub 6}. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Strontium disorder in tetragonal tungsten bronze {beta} Prime -SrTa{sub 2}O{sub 6}. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Orthorhombic distortion and cell doubling in {beta}-SrTa{sub 2}O{sub 6}.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Development of solution techniques for nonlinear structural analysis

Nonlinear structural solution methods in the current research literature are classified according to order of the solution scheme, and it is shown that the analytical tools for these methods are uniformly derivable by perturbation techniques. A new perturbation formulation is developed for treating an arbitrary nonlinear material, in terms of a finite-difference generated stress-strain expansion. Nonlinear geometric effects are included in an explicit manner by appropriate definition of an applicable strain tensor. A new finite-element pilot computer program PANES (Program for Analysis of Nonlinear Equilibrium and Stability) is presented for treatment of problems involving material and geometric nonlinearities, as well as certain forms on nonconservative loading.

Vos, R. G.↗

Experiences with a preliminary NICE/SPAR structural analysis system

Development of a new structural analysis system based on the original SPAR finite element code and the NICE system is described. The system is denoted NICE/SPAR. NICE was designed at Lockheed Palo Alto Research Laboratory and contains data management utilities, a command language interpreter, and a command language definition for integrating engineering computational modules. SPAR is a system of programs used for finite element structural analysis developed for NASA by Engineering Information Systems, Inc. It includes many complementary structural analysis and utility functions which communicate through a common database. The work on NICE/SPAR was motivated by requirements for a highly modular and flexible structural analysis system to use as a tool in carrying out research in computational methods and exploring new computer hardware. Analysis examples are presented which demonstrate the benefits gained from a combination of the NICE command language with the SPAR computational modules.

Lotts, C. G.↗

Multigrid for structures analysis

In structural dynamics the equations are usually expressed as finite elements. Neighbor elements need not be connected. The process of condensing a fine model into a coarse model and interpolating the low-frequency solution to the fine model is studied.

Kascak, Albert F.↗

Recent developments of the NESSUS probabilistic structural analysis computer program

The NESSUS probabilistic structural analysis computer program combines state-of-the-art probabilistic algorithms with general purpose structural analysis methods to compute the probabilistic response and the reliability of engineering structures. Uncertainty in loading, material properties, geometry, boundary conditions and initial conditions can be simulated. The structural analysis methods include nonlinear finite element and boundary element methods. Several probabilistic algorithms are available such as the advanced mean value method and the adaptive importance sampling method. The scope of the code has recently been expanded to include probabilistic life and fatigue prediction of structures in terms of component and system reliability and risk analysis of structures considering cost of failure. The code is currently being extended to structural reliability considering progressive crack propagation. Several examples are presented to demonstrate the new capabilities.

Millwater, H.↗

Development of advanced structural analysis methodologies for predicting widespread fatigue damage in aircraft structures

NASA is developing a 'tool box' that includes a number of advanced structural analysis computer codes which, taken together, represent the comprehensive fracture mechanics capability required to predict the onset of widespread fatigue damage. These structural analysis tools have complementary and specialized capabilities ranging from a finite-element-based stress-analysis code for two- and three-dimensional built-up structures with cracks to a fatigue and fracture analysis code that uses stress-intensity factors and material-property data found in 'look-up' tables or from equations. NASA is conducting critical experiments necessary to verify the predictive capabilities of the codes, and these tests represent a first step in the technology-validation and industry-acceptance processes. NASA has established cooperative programs with aircraft manufacturers to facilitate the comprehensive transfer of this technology by making these advanced structural analysis codes available to industry.

Harris, Charles E.↗

Fundamental studies of heat load and thermal-structure analysis of large space structures

Investigation of the basic requirements for modeling slender member shadowing effects on thermally induced deformation continues. The theoretical formulation is complete and computer programming is underway. The basic requirements for thermal finite elements to model heat transfer in orbiting structures were also studied. The need for planar isothermal elements to model large space structures' antenna meshes was established. Finite Element approaches for modeling space structure cable and membrane components with thermal effects is underway. Three levels of structural modeling and analysis were identified: (1) a linear-elastic small deflection analysis that does not permit cable slackening; (2) a linear-elastic analysis that includes stress stiffening (the ANSYS program), but not large deflections; and (3) full nonlinear large deflection analysis with stress stiffening. Methods of determining cable initial tensions are currently being evaluated.

Thornton, E. A.↗

Static structural analysis of shell-type structures

Shell analysis manual provides methods for determining static deflections and internal load and stress distributions in shells under various loading conditions, and methods of analyzing static instability of shell structures. Also included are methods for determining the lightest shell wall for various constructions.

Baker, E. H.↗

Structural Analysis of Induction Machine and Switched Reluctance Machine

Presented is a comprehensive analysis of structural performance of Induction Machine (IM) and Switched Reluctance Machine (SRM) rotors under different operational conditions. Electric machines are susceptible to forces of diverse origins. In addition to traditionally considered magnetic and centrifugal forces, this article discusses independent and inclusive effects of thermal expansion and shaft attachment techniques on structural integrity of the machines. A comparative analysis of structural performance of IMs and SRMs has also been performed, under a range of scenarios, to facilitate application specific machine selection from a structural perspective.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Probabilistic structural analysis: Introductory remarks

The development of probabilistic structural analysis methodology consists of the following program elements: (1) composite load spectra models, (2) computational probabilistic structural analysis methods, and (3) probabilistic constitutive relationships. The development of the probabilistic structural analysis methodology is a joint program of NASA Lewis in-house and sponsored research. The objective of this session is to illustrate recent progress on the application of this methodology to determine the reliability of structural components for rocket propulsion systems. The session contains descriptions of and progress reports on the following specific activities: (1) The NESSUS computer code, (2) approximate methods, (3) advanced methods, (4) composite load spectra applications, (5) probabilistic fracture mechanisms, and (6) probability of failure and risk analysis. Collectively, the progress to date demonstrates that the structural durability of hot engine structural components can be effectively evaluated in a formal probabilistic/reliability framework.

Chamis, Christos C.↗

Probabilistic structural analysis methods development for SSME

The development of probabilistic structural analysis methods is a major part of the SSME Structural Durability Program and consists of three program elements: composite load spectra, probabilistic finite element structural analysis, and probabilistic structural analysis applications. Recent progress includes: (1) the effects of the uncertainties of several factors on the HPFP blade temperature pressure and torque, (2) the evaluation of the cumulative distribution function of structural response variables based on assumed uncertainties on primitive structural variables, and (3) evaluation of the failure probability. Collectively, the results obtained demonstrate that the structural durability of critical SSME components can be probabilistically evaluated.

Chamis, C. C.↗