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At least 721 records · Page 40
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2002

Design and architecture of the Mars relay network planning and analysis framework

In this paper we describe the design and architecture of the Mars Network planning and analysis framework that supports generation and validation of efficient planning and scheduling strategy. The goals are to minimize the transmitting time, minimize the delaying time, and/or maximize the network throughputs. The proposed framework would require (1) a client-server architecture to support interactive, batch, WEB, and distributed analysis and planning applications for the relay network analysis scheme, (2) a high-fidelity modeling and simulation environment that expresses link capabilities between spacecraft to spacecraft and spacecraft to Earth stations as time-varying resources, and spacecraft activities, link priority, Solar System dynamic events, the laws of orbital mechanics, and other limiting factors as spacecraft power and thermal constraints, (3) an optimization methodology that casts the resource and constraint models into a standard linear and nonlinear constrained optimization problem that lends itself to commercial off-the-shelf (COTS)planning and scheduling algorithms.

Mars relay network planning analysis↗
NASA NTRS2013

Spurious Behavior of Shock-Capturing Methods: Problems Containing Stiff Source Terms and Discontinuities

The goal of this paper is to relate numerical dissipations that are inherited in high order shock-capturing schemes with the onset of wrong propagation speed of discontinuities. For pointwise evaluation of the source term, previous studies indicated that the phenomenon of wrong propagation speed of discontinuities is connected with the smearing of the discontinuity caused by the discretization of the advection term. The smearing introduces a nonequilibrium state into the calculation. Thus as soon as a nonequilibrium value is introduced in this manner, the source term turns on and immediately restores equilibrium, while at the same time shifting the discontinuity to a cell boundary. The present study is to show that the degree of wrong propagation speed of discontinuities is highly dependent on the accuracy of the numerical method. The manner in which the smearing of discontinuities is contained by the numerical method and the overall amount of numerical dissipation being employed play major roles. Moreover, employing finite time steps and grid spacings that are below the standard Courant-Friedrich-Levy (CFL) limit on shockcapturing methods for compressible Euler and Navier-Stokes equations containing stiff reacting source terms and discontinuities reveals surprising counter-intuitive results. Unlike non-reacting flows, for stiff reactions with discontinuities, employing a time step and grid spacing that are below the CFL limit (based on the homogeneous part or non-reacting part of the governing equations) does not guarantee a correct solution of the chosen governing equations. Instead, depending on the numerical method, time step and grid spacing, the numerical simulation may lead to (a) the correct solution (within the truncation error of the scheme), (b) a divergent solution, (c) a wrong propagation speed of discontinuities solution or (d) other spurious solutions that are solutions of the discretized counterparts but are not solutions of the governing equations. The present investigation for three very different stiff system cases confirms some of the findings of Lafon & Yee (1996) and LeVeque & Yee (1990) for a model scalar PDE. The findings might shed some light on the reported difficulties in numerical combustion and problems with stiff nonlinear (homogeneous) source terms and discontinuities in general.

Yee, Helen M. C.↗
NASA NTRS2013

Applications of Automation Methods for Nonlinear Fracture Test Analysis

Using automated and standardized computer tools to calculate the pertinent test result values has several advantages such as: 1. allowing high-fidelity solutions to complex nonlinear phenomena that would be impractical to express in written equation form, 2. eliminating errors associated with the interpretation and programing of analysis procedures from the text of test standards, 3. lessening the need for expertise in the areas of solid mechanics, fracture mechanics, numerical methods, and/or finite element modeling, to achieve sound results, 4. and providing one computer tool and/or one set of solutions for all users for a more "standardized" answer. In summary, this approach allows a non-expert with rudimentary training to get the best practical solution based on the latest understanding with minimum difficulty.Other existing ASTM standards that cover complicated phenomena use standard computer programs: 1. ASTM C1340/C1340M-10- Standard Practice for Estimation of Heat Gain or Loss Through Ceilings Under Attics Containing Radiant Barriers by Use of a Computer Program 2. ASTM F 2815 - Standard Practice for Chemical Permeation through Protective Clothing Materials: Testing Data Analysis by Use of a Computer Program 3. ASTM E2807 - Standard Specification for 3D Imaging Data Exchange, Version 1.0 The verification, validation, and round-robin processes required of a computer tool closely parallel the methods that are used to ensure the solution validity for equations included in test standard. The use of automated analysis tools allows the creation and practical implementation of advanced fracture mechanics test standards that capture the physics of a nonlinear fracture mechanics problem without adding undue burden or expense to the user. The presented approach forms a bridge between the equation-based fracture testing standards of today and the next generation of standards solving complex problems through analysis automation.

Allen, Phillip A.↗
NASA NTRS2013

Nonlinear Modeling by Assembling Piecewise Linear Models

To preserve nonlinearity of a full order system over a parameters range of interest, we propose a simple modeling approach by assembling a set of piecewise local solutions, including the first-order Taylor series terms expanded about some sampling states. The work by Rewienski and White inspired our use of piecewise linear local solutions. The assembly of these local approximations is accomplished by assigning nonlinear weights, through radial basis functions in this study. The efficacy of the proposed procedure is validated for a two-dimensional airfoil moving at different Mach numbers and pitching motions, under which the flow exhibits prominent nonlinear behaviors. All results confirm that our nonlinear model is accurate and stable for predicting not only aerodynamic forces but also detailed flowfields. Moreover, the model is robustness-accurate for inputs considerably different from the base trajectory in form and magnitude. This modeling preserves nonlinearity of the problems considered in a rather simple and accurate manner.

Yao, Weigang↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Adjoint-based Sensitivities of Flutter Predictions based on the Linearized Frequency-domain Approach

Flutter is a critical factor in designing and certifying aircraft. The linearized frequency-domain method offers a lower cost alternative to time-marching computational fluid dynamics for high-fidelity flutter analysis. In this work, adjoint-based sensitivities are added to a flutter analysis based on the linearized frequency-domain method to efficiently compute derivatives of flutter cost functions with respect to design variables or uncertain parameters. The derivation of the adjoint equations, which involve complications such as derivatives of a nonlinear generalized eigenvalue problem with complex-valued inputs and derivatives of the linearized Navier-Stokes equations, is provided. The implemented adjoint terms and derivatives are verified before demonstrating the approach for derivatives of flutter dynamic pressure with respect to Mach number for the AGARD 445.6 wing.

Aeroelasticity↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Rolling Horizon with K-Position Search Method for Strategic Deconfliction of Package Delivery UAS

This research focuses on the strategic deconfliction of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) in an urban package delivery environment with two depots and multiple drop-off locations. Since the formulated mixed-integer nonlinear programming (MINLP) problem is non-deterministic polynomial-time (NP) hard, a heuristic algorithm called "rolling horizon with k-position search (KPS)" is used to compute the departure sequence and scheduled time of departure (STD) of each UAS at a depot, considering temporal constraints at en-route crossing waypoints and depots for strategic deconfliction. The simulation studies show that an increase in the value of k (local neighborhood search) in the KPS reduces the average ground delay at the cost of an increase in the computation time for a given number of UAS, size of the rolling horizon window, and number of depots involved in the local neighborhood search. The studies also show that for a given rolling horizon window, the computation time increases exponentially with an increase in the total number of UAS flights when serial processing the local neighborhood search of KPS (with k > 1) and drops by an order of magnitude upon performing the local neighborhood search of KPS using parallel processing instead of serial processing. The computation time drops with the reduction in air traffic complexity of a scenario for a given number of flights, k (local neighborhood search), and rolling horizon window.

UTM↗
NASA NTRS1991

Non-linear dynamics of a geared rotor-bearing system with multiple clearances

The nonlinear frequency response characteristics of a geared rotor-bearing system are examined. A three-DOF dynamic model is developed which includes nonlinearities associated with radial clearances in the radial rolling element bearings and backlash between a spur gear pair; linear time-invariant gear meshing stiffness is assumed. The corresponding linear system problem is also solved, and predicted natural frequencies and modes match with finite element method results. The applicability of both analytical and numerical solution techniques to the multi-DOF nonlinear problem is investigated. Satisfactory agreement is found between the theory presented here and the available experimental data. Nonlinear modal interactions and differences between internal static transmission error excitation and external torque excitation are discussed. In addition, parametric studies are performed to understand the effect of system parameters such as bearing stiffness to gear mesh stiffness ratio, alternating to mean force ratio and radial bearing preload to mean force ratio on the nonlinear dynamic behavior.

Kahraman, A.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Simulation program of nonlinearities applied to telecommunication systems

In any satellite communication system, the problems of distorsion created by nonlinear devices or systems must be considered. The subject of this paper is the use of the Fast Fourier Transform (F.F.T.) in the prediction of the intermodulation performance of amplifiers, mixers, filters. A nonlinear memory-less model is chosen to simulate amplitude and phase nonlinearities of the device in the simulation program written in FORTRAN 4. The experimentally observed nonlinearity parameters of a low noise 3.7-4.2 GHz amplifier are related to the gain and phase coefficients of Fourier Service Series. The measured results are compared with those calculated from the simulation in the cases where the input signal is composed of two, three carriers and noise power density.

Thomas, C.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Linear iterative solvers for implicit ODE methods

The numerical solution of stiff initial value problems, which lead to the problem of solving large systems of mildly nonlinear equations are considered. For many problems derived from engineering and science, a solution is possible only with methods derived from iterative linear equation solvers. A common approach to solving the nonlinear equations is to employ an approximate solution obtained from an explicit method. The error is examined to determine how it is distributed among the stiff and non-stiff components, which bears on the choice of an iterative method. The conclusion is that error is (roughly) uniformly distributed, a fact that suggests the Chebyshev method (and the accompanying Manteuffel adaptive parameter algorithm). This method is described, also commenting on Richardson's method and its advantages for large problems. Richardson's method and the Chebyshev method with the Mantueffel algorithm are applied to the solution of the nonlinear equations by Newton's method.

Saylor, Paul E.↗
NASA NTRS2002

Designing Adaptive Low Dissipative High Order Schemes

Proper control of the numerical dissipation/filter to accurately resolve all relevant multiscales of complex flow problems while still maintaining nonlinear stability and efficiency for long-time numerical integrations poses a great challenge to the design of numerical methods. The required type and amount of numerical dissipation/filter are not only physical problem dependent, but also vary from one flow region to another. This is particularly true for unsteady high-speed shock/shear/boundary-layer/turbulence/acoustics interactions and/or combustion problems since the dynamics of the nonlinear effect of these flows are not well-understood. Even with extensive grid refinement, it is of paramount importance to have proper control on the type and amount of numerical dissipation/filter in regions where it is needed.

Yee, H. C.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Solution algorithms for nonlinear transient heat conduction analysis employing element-by-element iterative strategies

The particular problems investigated in the present study arise from nonlinear transient heat conduction. One of two types of nonlinearities considered is related to a material temperature dependence which is frequently needed to accurately model behavior over the range of temperature of engineering interest. The second nonlinearity is introduced by radiation boundary conditions. The finite element equations arising from the solution of nonlinear transient heat conduction problems are formulated. The finite element matrix equations are temporally discretized, and a nonlinear iterative solution algorithm is proposed. Algorithms for solving the linear problem are discussed, taking into account the form of the matrix equations, Gaussian elimination, cost, and iterative techniques. Attention is also given to approximate factorization, implementational aspects, and numerical results.

Winget, J. M.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Modal Test/Analysis Correlation of Space Station Structures Using Nonlinear Sensitivity

The modal correlation problem is formulated as a constrained optimization problem for validation of finite element models (FEM's). For large-scale structural applications, a pragmatic procedure for substructuring, model verification, and system integration is described to achieve effective modal correlation. The space station substructure FEM's are reduced using Lanczos vectors and integrated into a system FEM using Craig-Bampton component modal synthesis. The optimization code is interfaced with MSC/NASTRAN to solve the problem of modal test/analysis correlation; that is, the problem of validating FEM's for launch and on-orbit coupled loads analysis against experimentally observed frequencies and mode shapes. An iterative perturbation algorithm is derived and implemented to update nonlinear sensitivity (derivatives of eigenvalues and eigenvectors) during optimizer iterations, which reduced the number of finite element analyses.

Gupta, Viney K.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Modal test/analysis correlation of Space Station structures using nonlinear sensitivity

The modal correlation problem is formulated as a constrained optimization problem for validation of finite element models (FEM's). For large-scale structural applications, a pragmatic procedure for substructuring, model verification, and system integration is described to achieve effective modal correlations. The space station substructure FEM's are reduced using Lanczos vectors and integrated into a system FEM using Craig-Bampton component modal synthesis. The optimization code is interfaced with MSC/NASTRAN to solve the problem of modal test/analysis correlation; that is, the problem of validating FEM's for launch and on-orbit coupled loads analysis against experimentally observed frequencies and mode shapes. An iterative perturbation algorithm is derived and implemented to update nonlinear sensitivity (derivatives of eigenvalues and eigenvectors) during optimizer iterations, which reduced the number of finite element analyses.

Gupta, Viney K.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Assessment of numerical methods for the solution of fluid dynamics equations for nonlinear resonance systems

The capability of accurate nonlinear flow analysis of resonance systems is essential in many problems, including combustion instability. Classical numerical schemes are either too diffusive or too dispersive especially for transient problems. In the last few years, significant progress has been made in the numerical methods for flows with shocks. The objective was to assess advanced shock capturing schemes on transient flows. Several numerical schemes were tested including TVD, MUSCL, ENO, FCT, and Riemann Solver Godunov type schemes. A systematic assessment was performed on scalar transport, Burgers' and gas dynamic problems. Several shock capturing schemes are compared on fast transient resonant pipe flow problems. A system of 1-D nonlinear hyperbolic gas dynamics equations is solved to predict propagation of finite amplitude waves, the wave steepening, formation, propagation, and reflection of shocks for several hundred wave cycles. It is shown that high accuracy schemes can be used for direct, exact nonlinear analysis of combustion instability problems, preserving high harmonic energy content for long periods of time.

Przekwas, A. J.↗
NASA NTRS1996

Assumed--stress hybrid elements with drilling degrees of freedom for nonlinear analysis of composite structures

The goal of this research project is to develop assumed-stress hybrid elements with rotational degrees of freedom for analyzing composite structures. During the first year of the three-year activity, the effort was directed to further assess the AQ4 shell element and its extensions to buckling and free vibration problems. In addition, the development of a compatible 2-node beam element was to be accomplished. The extensions and new developments were implemented in the Computational Structural Mechanics Testbed COMET. An assessment was performed to verify the implementation and to assess the performance of these elements in terms of accuracy. During the second and third years, extensions to geometrically nonlinear problems were developed and tested. This effort involved working with the nonlinear solution strategy as well as the nonlinear formulation for the elements. This research has resulted in the development and implementation of two additional element processors (ES22 for the beam element and ES24 for the shell elements) in COMET. The software was developed using a SUN workstation and has been ported to the NASA Langley Convex named blackbird. Both element processors are now part of the baseline version of COMET.

Knight, Norman F., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1994

On the nonlinear stability of viscous modes within the Rayleigh problem on an infinite flat plate

The stability has been investigated of the unsteady flow past an infinite flat plate when it is moved impulsively from rest, in its own plane. For small times the instantaneous stability of the flow depends on the linearized equations of motion which reduce in this problem to the Orr-Sommerfeld equation. It is known that the flow for certain values of Reynolds number, frequency and wave number is unstable to Tollmien-Schlichting waves, as in the case of the Blasius boundary layer flow past a flat plate. With increase in time, the unstable waves only undergo growth for a finite time interval, and this growth rate is itself a function of time. The influence of finite amplitude effects is studied by solving the full Navier-Stokes equations. It is found that the stability characteristics are markedly changed both by the consideration of the time evolution of the flow, and by the introduction of finite amplitude effects.

Webb, J. C.↗
NASA NTRS1974

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.↗