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At least 739 records · Page 41

The NASTRAN computer program for structural analysis.

Discussion of a large NASA-sponsored digital computer program for static and dynamic analysis of structures with linear or nonlinear material properties. The program fits to perform buckling analysis, vibration mode analysis of conservative or damped systems, frequency response analysis, and transient response analysis on the IBM 360, UNIVAC 1108, and CDC 6600 computers. It also provides automatic generation of several types of loads such as gravity loads and thermal strain loads, plots of deformed and nondeformed structures, and the choice of alternate analysis methods such as direct or modal formulations of dynamic problems. The program is intended primarily for large problems involving hundreds of thousands of degrees of freedom. A flexible Executive System is provided to facilitate the addition of new functional capabilities to the program.

Macneal, R. H.↗

Antarctic Space Analog Program

The primary aim of this project was to examine group dynamics and individual performance in extreme, isolated environments and identify human factors requirements for long-duration space missions using data collected in an analog environment. Specifically, we wished to determine: 1) the characteristics of social relations in small groups of individuals living and working together in extreme, isolated environments, and 2) the environmental, social and psychological determinants of performance effectiveness in such groups. These two issues were examined in six interrelated studies using data collected in small, isolated research stations in Antarctica from 1963 to the present. Results from these six studies indicated that behavior and performance on long-duration space flights is likely to be seasonal or cyclical, situational, social, and salutogenic in nature. The project responded to two NASA program emphases for FY 1997 as described in the NRA: 1) the primary emphasis of the Behavior and Performance Program on determining long-term individual and group performance responses to space, identifying critical factors affecting those responses and understanding underlying mechanisms involved in behavior and performance, and developing and using ground-based models and analogs for studying space-related behavior and performance; and 2) the emphasis of the Data Analysis Program on extended data analysis. Results from the study were used to develop recommendations for the design and development of pre-flight crew training and in-flight psychological countermeasures for long-duration manned space missions.

Palinkas, Lawrence A↗

Ground-based Measurements of Solar Irradiance Variations

Observations and analysis programs being carried out at the San Fernando Observatory are reviewed. A digital analysis of sunspot areas from full disk photographs shows an especially good correlation with areas published in the Solar Geophysical Data Bulletin with scale factor near unity. Results are presented from photoelectric photometry of active regions using the Extreme Limb Photometer. These results suggest energy balance between sunspots and faculae. Preliminary results are presented from a new program of photoelectric photometry using a linear array of diodes. Results are presented for the August 1982 passage of a large active region. This active region caused a maximum dip in the quiet Sun irradiance of about 800 parts per million.

Chapman, G. A.↗

A statistical data analysis and plotting program for cloud microphysics experiments

The analysis software developed for atmospheric cloud microphysics experiments conducted in the laboratory as well as aboard a KC-135 aircraft is described. A group of four programs was developed and implemented on a Hewlett Packard 1000 series F minicomputer running under HP's RTE-IVB operating system. The programs control and read data from a MEMODYNE Model 3765-8BV cassette recorder, format the data on the Hewlett Packard disk subsystem, and generate statistical data (mean, variance, standard deviation) and voltage and engineering unit plots on a user selected plotting device. The programs are written in HP FORTRAN IV and HP ASSEMBLY Language with the graphics software using the HP 1000 Graphics. The supported plotting devices are the HP 2647A graphics terminal, the HP 9872B four color pen plotter, and the HP 2608A matrix line printer.

Jordan, A. J.↗

Planetary geosciences, 1989-1990

NASA's Planetary Geosciences Programs (the Planetary Geology and Geophysics and the Planetary Material and Geochemistry Programs) provide support and an organizational framework for scientific research on solid bodies of the solar system. These research and analysis programs support scientific research aimed at increasing our understanding of the physical, chemical, and dynamic nature of the solid bodies of the solar system: the Moon, the terrestrial planets, the satellites of the outer planets, the rings, the asteroids, and the comets. This research is conducted using a variety of methods: laboratory experiments, theoretical approaches, data analysis, and Earth analog techniques. Through research supported by these programs, we are expanding our understanding of the origin and evolution of the solar system. This document is intended to provide an overview of the more significant scientific findings and discoveries made this year by scientists supported by the Planetary Geosciences Program. To a large degree, these results and discoveries are the measure of success of the programs.

Zuber, Maria T.↗

Computer program for numerical analysis of stiffened shells of revolution

Programs, using Love-Reissner first-order shell theory, can analyze orthotropic thin shells of revolution subjected to unsymmetric distributed loading or concentrated line loads and thermal strains. They can perform stability or vibration analysis of thin shells of revolution subjected to axisymmetric distributed loading or concentrated line loads and thermal strains.

Key, J.↗

ALESEP: A computer program for the analysis of airfoil leading edge separation bubbles

The ALESEP program for the analysis of the inviscid/viscous interaction which occurs due to the presence of a closed laminar transitional separation bubble on an airflow is presented. The ALESEP code provides a iterative solution of the boundary layer equations expressed in an inverse formulation coupled to a Cauchy integral representation of the inviscid flow. This interaction analysis is treated as a local perturbation to a known solution obtained from a global airfoil analysis. Part of the required input to the ALESEP code are the reference displacement thickness and tangential velocity distributions. Special windward differencing may be used in the reversed flow regions of the separation bubble to accurately account for the flow direction in the discretization of the streamwise convection of momentum. The ALESEP code contains a forced transition model based on a streamwise intermittency function and a natural transition model based on a solution of the integral form of the turbulent kinetic energy equation. Instructions for the input/output, and program usage are presented.

Davis, R. L.↗

CAPRI: Using a Geometric Foundation for Computational Analysis and Design

CAPRI (Computational Analysis Programming Interface) is a software development tool intended to make computerized design, simulation and analysis faster and more efficient. The computational steps traditionally taken for most engineering analysis (Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), structural analysis, etc.) are: Surface Generation, usually by employing a Computer Aided Design (CAD) system; Grid Generation, preparing the volume for the simulation; Flow Solver, producing the results at the specified operational point; Post-processing Visualization, interactively attempting to understand the results. It should be noted that the structures problem is more tractable than CFD; there are fewer mesh topologies used and the grids are not as fine (this problem space does not have the length scaling issues of fluids). For CFD, these steps have worked well in the past for simple steady-state simulations at the expense of much user interaction. The data was transmitted between phases via files. In most cases, the output from a CAD system could go IGES files. The output from Grid Generators and Solvers do not really have standards though there are a couple of file formats that can be used for a subset of the gridding (i.e. PLOT3D) data formats and the upcoming CGNS). The user would have to patch up the data or translate from one format to another to move to the next step. Sometimes this could take days. Instead of the serial approach to analysis, CAPRI takes a geometry centric approach. CAPRI is a software building tool-kit that refers to two ideas: (1) A simplified, object-oriented, hierarchical view of a solid part integrating both geometry and topology definitions, and (2) programming access to this part or assembly and any attached data. The connection to the geometry is made through an Application Programming Interface (API) and not a file system.

Haimes, Robert↗

A study of efficiency in low resistivity silicon solar cells

A general device-analysis program has been utilized to study the efficiency of silicon solar cells. The analysis is applied to specific geometries of both n(+)-p and n(+)-p-p(+) solar cells, and involves a numerical solution of the basic transport and continuity equations. This approach allows solutions that are free of typical limiting assumptions involved in solving the device equations as well as solutions relating to lifetime, mobility variations, and diffused-region profiles. The analysis includes available empirical information on diffusion length, mobility, and lifetime as a function of doping, as well as a Gaussian profile for the diffused region. Results are presented which illustrate the limitations of efficiency as a function of doping. It is found that the maximum efficiencies for both types of cell converge at lower resistivities to around 16% with air-mass-zero radiation and a single-layer absorbing-SiO antireflecting film. It is also found that the minority-carrier lifetime, both in the n(+) surface and p-type bulk regions, presents serious limitations to conversion efficiency, particularly in the low-resistivity cells.

Dunbar, P. M.↗

LANDSAT-4 image data quality analysis for energy related applications

No useable LANDSAT 4 TM data were obtained for the Hanford site in the Columbia Plateau region, but TM simulator data for a Virginia Electric Company nuclear power plant was used to test image processing algorithms. Principal component analyses of this data set clearly indicated that thermal plumes in surface waters used for reactor cooling would be discrenible. Image processing and analysis programs were successfully testing using the 7 band Arkansas test scene and preliminary analysis of TM data for the Savanah River Plant shows that current interactive, image enhancement, analysis and integration techniques can be effectively used for LANDSAT 4 data. Thermal band data appear adequate for gross estimates of thermal changes occurring near operating nuclear facilities especially in surface water bodies being used for reactor cooling purposes. Additional image processing software was written and tested which provides for more rapid and effective analysis of the 7 band TM data.

Wukelic, G. E.↗

Building a new multiphysics workflow in MOOSE: application to tritium migration, trapping and advection in TMAP8

Fusion devices are anticipated to produce and consume several kilograms of tritium per year. This rare fuel resource is both highly mobile and radioactive, making tracking inventories a priority for operation and safety. The fusion safety program at the Idaho National Laboratory has been developing the Tritium Migration and Analysis Program (TMAP), of which the latest version is a MOOSE-based application. TMAP8 is verified against its predecessors and possesses additional multi-dimensional tritium migration modeling capabilities. As we extend its capabilities towards both whole device (in multiple dimensions) and whole plant (with multiple components) simulations, the syntax of inputs must become compact, descriptive, compatible with quality assurance processes, and as error-proof as achievable. The new Physics system developed MOOSE can set up equations and instantiating them on plant components. The system permits the automatic definition of complex discretization with a consistency between object parameters achieved programmatically. The Physics system can currently instantiate the equations for heat conduction and Navier Stokes weakly compressible flow. In MOOSE-terms, it automates the definition of kernels, boundary conditions, and several core and helper materials and fields. As part of this effort, Physics classes were developed for tritium migration, trapping and advection within either a multi-dimensional Navier Stokes fluid dynamics simulation, or a 1D thermal hydraulics piping system. In this presentation, we will showcase the new syntax, its application to several verification and validation cases which were already studied using the classical TMAP8 syntax, and a demonstration of the new coupling capabilities for the migration of tritium into blanket coolant channels and the subsequent advection into the coolant loop.

70 - PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

DJANAL user's manual

The DJANAL (DisJunct ANALyzer) Program provides a means for the LSI designer to format output from the Mask Analysis Program (MAP) for input to the FETLOG (FETSIM/LOGSIM) processor. This document presents a brief description of the operation of DJANAL and provides comprehensive instruction for its use.

Pitts, E. R.↗

A computer analysis of heterojunction and graded composition solar cells

The development and application of a variable composition solar cell computer analysis program is discussed. The basic device equations are derived and results of the computer analysis of several Al(x)Ga(1-x)As and GaAs(1-x)P(x) solar cell structures are presented along with a discussion of the effects of interface states and various composition and doping profiles on maximum solar cell efficiency. Interface states are found to be responsible for a severe reduction in the efficiency of GaAs(1-x)P(x) cells, but do not significantly affect the behavior of Al(x)Ga(1-x)As cells. The depth of the p-n junction below the wide bandgap window layer is a critical factor in determining the loss of minority carriers to interface recombination at the heterojunction.

Sutherland, J. E.↗

Navigation for IUS deployment. TDRSS navigation accuracy in support of IUS deployment, phase 1

The navigation accuracy for tracking the orbiter prior to interim upper stage (IUS) deployment using the tracking data relay satellite system (TDRSS) was studied. The orbiter navigation accuracy for both one and two TDRSS satellites, for short and long data arcs, and for Doppler-only and Doppler-plus range solutions was examined. All test cases were run with the orbiter in a 150-n. mi. circular orbit, 28.5 degree inclination, at the time interval from the completion of the orbital maneuvering system (OMS)-2 maneuver to OMS-2 plus 2 hours (approximate time for IUS deployment). The data used were simulated by the simulation navigation (SIMNAV) program. The software tool used to process the TDRS data was the Shuttle Navigation Analysis Program (SNAP), a Kalman filter tool used to solve for the orbiter position and velocity. Results summarize the expected navigation accuracy using the TDRS system. It was concluded that: (1) data from both TDRS satellites were essential for accurate navigation results: (2) range data were essential for the short arc test case but were not needed for the long arc test case; and (3) with Doppler and range data from both TDRS satellites, the results converged to a reasonable solution after 5 to 10 minutes of data.

Wylie, A. D.↗

Space shuttle entry longitudinal aerodynamic comparisons of flights 1-4 with preflight predictions

The Space Shuttle orbiter flight test program has required the aerodynamicist to take a new approach in determining flight characteristics. A conventional flight test program of slowly and cautiously approaching more severe flight conditions was not possible with the orbiter. On the first four orbital flights, The orbiter entered the atmosphere at approximately Mach 29 and decelerated through the Mach range (the subsonic portion of flight had also been flown by another orbiter vehicle during the Approach and Landing Test Program). Certification for these flights was achieved by an extensive wind tunnel test and analysis program. The initial series of flights of the orbiter were heavily instrumented for the purpose of obtaining accurate aerodynamic data. The flight data derived from the entry Mach range provided comparisons between flight and wind tunnel derived predicted data in the areas of both aerodynamic performance and longitudinal trim.

Romere, P. O.↗

User's manual for GAMNAS: Geometric and Material Nonlinear Analysis of Structures

GAMNAS (Geometric and Material Nonlinear Analysis of Structures) is a two dimensional finite-element stress analysis program. Options include linear, geometric nonlinear, material nonlinear, and combined geometric and material nonlinear analysis. The theory, organization, and use of GAMNAS are described. Required input data and results for several sample problems are included.

Whitcomb, J. D.↗

Engine Structures Modeling Software System (ESMOSS)

Engine Structures Modeling Software System (ESMOSS) is the development of a specialized software system for the construction of geometric descriptive and discrete analytical models of engine parts, components, and substructures which can be transferred to finite element analysis programs such as NASTRAN. The NASA Lewis Engine Structures Program is concerned with the development of technology for the rational structural design and analysis of advanced gas turbine engines with emphasis on advanced structural analysis, structural dynamics, structural aspects of aeroelasticity, and life prediction. Fundamental and common to all of these developments is the need for geometric and analytical model descriptions at various engine assembly levels which are generated using ESMOSS.

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