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At least 793 records · Page 44

Simulating Nonlinear Deformations of Solar Sail Membranes Using Explicit Time Integration

In this study, the explicit time integration method is employed to predict deformation of highly flexible solar sail structural components. The nonlinear static analysis of a highly flexible ribbon structure is presented to demonstrate the need for having the explicit time integration method in the analysis toolbox for solar sail. Static analyses of the ribbon structure produce ambiquous results whereas the explicit time integration method determines the correct results. Extensive benchmarking examples are also presented to build confidence in the use of the explicit method. Previously determined nonlinear wrinkling deformations of solar sail membranes are found by the explicit method. As the explicit method is known to often require more computational time than nonlinear static methods, a study on mass scaling was also conducted. The computational times are reported for the nonlinear static and explicit time integration solutions to calibrate the advantage of using mass scaling for these problems.

Wang, John T.↗

A unique set of micromechanics equations for high temperature metal matrix composites

A unique set of micromechanic equations is presented for high temperature metal matrix composites. The set includes expressions to predict mechanical properties, thermal properties and constituent microstresses for the unidirectional fiber reinforced ply. The equations are derived based on a mechanics of materials formulation assuming a square array unit cell model of a single fiber, surrounding matrix and an interphase to account for the chemical reaction which commonly occurs between fiber and matrix. A three-dimensional finite element analysis was used to perform a preliminary validation of the equations. Excellent agreement between properties predicted using the micromechanics equations and properties simulated by the finite element analyses are demonstrated. Implementation of the micromechanics equations as part of an integrated computational capability for nonlinear structural analysis of high temperature multilayered fiber composites is illustrated.

Hopkins, D. A.↗

A unique set of micromechanics equations for high-temperature metal matrix composites

A unique set of micromechanic equations is presented for high-temperature metal matrix composites. The set includes expressions to predict mechanical properties, thermal properties and constituent microstresses for the unidirectional fiber reinforced ply. The equations are derived based on a mechanics of materials formulation assuming a square array unit cell model of a single fiber, surrounding matrix and an interphase to account for the chemical reaction which commonly occurs between fiber and matrix. A three-dimensional finite element analysis was used to perform a preliminary validation of the equations. Excellent agreement between properties predicted using the micromechanics equations and properties simulated by the finite element analyses are demonstrated. Implementation of the micromechanics equations as part of an integrated computational capability for nonlinear structural analysis of high temperature multilayered fiber composites is illustrated.

Hopkins, Dale A.↗

Model for the formation of silicon carbide from the pyrolysis of dichlorodimethylsilane in hydrogen. I - Silicon formation from chlorosilanes. II - Silicon carbide formation from silicon and methane

In the first part of this work, a model is developed for the deposition of silicon from the reduction of silicon tetrachloride with hydrogen in a tubular reactor at 700-1100 C, at atmospheric pressure. The model is based on gas chromatography of the volatile products of the reaction, followed by gravimetric analysis of total Si deposition on the tube. In the second part of this work, a model is developed for the case of SiC deposition from the pyrolysis of dichlorodimethylsilane in hydrogen under the same reactor conditions. The rate constants derived from a nonlinear regression analysis are reported.

Cagliostro, Domenick E.↗

Unified constitutive materials model development and evaluation for high-temperature structural analysis applications

Unified constitutive material models were developed for structural analyses of aircraft gas turbine engine hot section components with particular application to an isotropic material used for combustor liners. Differential forms of models independently developed were considered in this study. These models combine the interactions of time-dependent (creep) and time-independent (plasticity) inelastic behavior of a material. Predicted stress-strain responses from these models were evaluated against cyclic isothermal and nonisothermal test results for uniaxial specimens of a nickel-base superalloy. The unified models were implemented in a nonlinear structural analysis code. Two unique NASA Lewis test facilities were used in the evaluation of the models for complex geometry specimens and evaluation of advanced temperature and high-temperature strain measurement instrumentation. Predicted nonlinear structural responses from one of the models for a flat plate and a segment of a conventional combustor liner are presented.

Thompson, R. L.↗

Finite element analysis of steady and transiently moving/rolling nonlinear viscoelastic structure. Part 1: Theory

In a three part series of papers, a generalized finite element analysis scheme is developed to handle the steady and transient response of moving/rolling nonlinear viscoelastic structure. This paper considers the development of the moving/rolling element strategy, including the effects of large deformation kinematics and viscoelasticity modelled by fractional integro-differential operators. To improve the solution strategy, a special hierarchical constraint procedure is developed for the case of steady rolling/translating as well as a transient scheme involving the use of a Grunwaldian representation of the fractional operator. In the second and third parts of the paper, 3-D extensions are developed along with transient contact strategies enabling the handling of impacts with obstructions. Overall, the various developments are benchmarked via comprehensive 2- and 3-D simulations. These are correlated with experimental data to define modelling capabilities.

Padovan, Joe↗

Finite element analysis of steady and transiently moving/rolling nonlinear viscoelastic structure. I - Theory

In a three-part series of papers, a generalized finite element analysis scheme is developed to handle the steady and transient response of moving/rolling nonlinear viscoelastic structure. This paper considers the development of the moving/rolling element strategy, including the effects of large deformation kinematics and viscoelasticity modeled by fractional integrodifferential operators. To improve the solution strategy, a special hierarchical constraint procedure is developed for the case of steady rolling/translating, as well as a transient scheme involving the use of a Grunwaldian representation of the fractional operator.

Padovan, Joe↗

TAP 2: A finite element program for thermal analysis of convectively cooled structures

A finite element computer program (TAP 2) for steady-state and transient thermal analyses of convectively cooled structures is presented. The program has a finite element library of six elements: two conduction/convection elements to model heat transfer in a solid, two convection elements to model heat transfer in a fluid, and two integrated conduction/convection elements to represent combined heat transfer in tubular and plate/fin fluid passages. Nonlinear thermal analysis due to temperature-dependent thermal parameters is performed using the Newton-Raphson iteration method. Transient analyses are performed using an implicit Crank-Nicolson time integration scheme with consistent or lumped capacitance matrices as an option. Program output includes nodal temperatures and element heat fluxes. Pressure drops in fluid passages may be computed as an option. User instructions and sample problems are presented in appendixes.

Thornton, E. A.↗

Stable Tearing and Buckling Responses of Unstiffened Aluminum Shells with Long Cracks

The results of an analytical and experimental study of the nonlinear response of thin, unstiffened, aluminum cylindrical shells with a long longitudinal crack are presented. The shells are analyzed with a nonlinear shell analysis code that accurately accounts for global and local structural response phenomena. Results are presented for internal pressure and for axial compression loads. The effect of initial crack length on the initiation of stable crack growth and unstable crack growth in typical shells subjected to internal pressure loads is predicted using geometrically nonlinear elastic-plastic finite element analyses and the crack-tip-opening angle (CTOA) fracture criterion. The results of these analyses and of the experiments indicate that the pressure required to initiate stable crack growth and unstable crack growth in a shell subjected to internal pressure loads decreases as the initial crack length increases. The effects of crack length on the prebuckling, buckling and postbuckling responses of typical shells subjected to axial compression loads are also described. For this loading condition, the crack length was not allowed to increase as the load was increased. The results of the analyses and of the experiments indicate that the initial buckling load and collapse load for a shell subjected to axial compression loads decrease as the initial crack length increases. Initial buckling causes general instability or collapse of a shell for shorter initial crack lengths. Initial buckling is a stable local response mode for longer initial crack lengths. This stable local buckling response is followed by a stable postbuckling response, which is followed by general or overall instability of the shell.

Starnes, James H., Jr.↗

Stable Tearing and Buckling Responses of Unstiffened Aluminum Shells with Long Cracks

The results of an analytical and experimental study of the nonlinear response of thin, unstiffened, aluminum cylindrical shells with a long longitudinal crack are presented. The shells are analyzed with a nonlinear shell analysis code that accurately accounts for global and local structural response phenomena. Results are presented for internal pressure and for axial compression loads. The effect of initial crack length on the initiation of stable crack growth and unstable crack growth in typical shells subjected to internal pressure loads is predicted using geometrically nonlinear elastic-plastic finite element analyses and the crack-tip-opening angle (CTOA) fracture criterion. The results of these analyses and of the experiments indicate that the pressure required to initiate stable crack growth and unstable crack growth in a shell subjected to internal pressure loads decreases as the initial crack length increases. The effects of crack length on the prebuckling, buckling and postbuckling responses of typical shells subjected to axial compression loads are also described. For this loading condition, the crack length was not allowed to increase as the load was increased. The results of the analyses and of the experiments indicate that the initial buckling load and collapse load for a shell subjected to axial compression loads decrease as the initial crack length increases. Initial buckling causes general instability or collapse of a shell for shorter initial crack lengths. Initial buckling is a stable local response mode for longer initial crack lengths. This stable local buckling response is followed by a stable postbuckling response, which is followed by general or overall instability of the shell.

Starnes, James H., Jr.↗

Buckling and Stable Tearing Responses of Unstiffened Aluminum Shells with Long Cracks

The results of an analytical and experimental study of the nonlinear response of thin, unstiffened, aluminum cylindrical shells with a long longitudinal crack are presented. The shells are analyzed with a nonlinear shell analysis code that accurately accounts for global and local structural response phenomena. Results are presented for internal pressure and for axial compression loads. The effect of initial crack length on the initiation of stable tearing and unstable crack growth in typical shells subjected to internal pressure loads is predicted using geo- metrically nonlinear elastic-plastic finite element analyses. The results of these analyses and of the experiments indicate that the pressure required to initiate stable tearing and unstable tearing in a shell subjected to internal pressure loads decreases as the crack length increases. The effects of crack length on the prebuckling, buckling and postbuckling responses of typical shells subjected to axial compression are also described. For this loading condition, the crack length is held constant. The results of the analyses illustrate the influence of crack length on shell buckling instabilities. The experimental and analytical results correlate well.

Starnes, James H., Jr.↗

A three-dimensional finite-element thermal/mechanical analytical technique for high-performance traveling wave tubes

Current research in high-efficiency, high-performance traveling wave tubes (TWT's) has led to the development of novel thermal/ mechanical computer models for use with helical slow-wave structures. A three-dimensional, finite element computer model and analytical technique used to study the structural integrity and thermal operation of a high-efficiency, diamond-rod, K-band TWT designed for use in advanced space communications systems. This analysis focused on the slow-wave circuit in the radiofrequency section of the TWT, where an inherent localized heating problem existed and where failures were observed during earlier cold compression, or 'coining' fabrication technique that shows great potential for future TWT development efforts. For this analysis, a three-dimensional, finite element model was used along with MARC, a commercially available finite element code, to simulate the fabrication of a diamond-rod TWT. This analysis was conducted by using component and material specifications consistent with actual TWT fabrication and was verified against empirical data. The analysis is nonlinear owing to material plasticity introduced by the forming process and also to geometric nonlinearities presented by the component assembly configuration. The computer model was developed by using the high efficiency, K-band TWT design but is general enough to permit similar analyses to be performed on a wide variety of TWT designs and styles. The results of the TWT operating condition and structural failure mode analysis, as well as a comparison of analytical results to test data are presented.

Bartos, Karen F.↗

A three-dimensional finite-element thermal/mechanical analytical technique for high-performance traveling wave tubes

Current research in high-efficiency, high-performance traveling wave tubes (TWT's) has led to the development of novel thermal/mechanical computer models for use with helical slow-wave structures. A three-dimensional, finite element computer model and analytical technique used to study the structural integrity and thermal operation of a high-efficiency, diamond-rod, K-band TWT designed for use in advanced space communications systems. This analysis focused on the slow-wave circuit in the radiofrequency section of the TWT, where an inherent localized heating problem existed and where failures were observed during earlier cold compression, or 'coining' fabrication technique that shows great potential for future TWT development efforts. For this analysis, a three-dimensional, finite element model was used along with MARC, a commercially available finite element code, to simulate the fabrication of a diamond-rod TWT. This analysis was conducted by using component and material specifications consistent with actual TWT fabrication and was verified against empirical data. The analysis is nonlinear owing to material plasticity introduced by the forming process and also to geometric nonlinearities presented by the component assembly configuration. The computer model was developed by using the high efficiency, K-band TWT design but is general enough to permit similar analyses to be performed on a wide variety of TWT designs and styles. The results of the TWT operating condition and structural failure mode analysis, as well as a comparison of analytical results to test data are presented.

Shalkhauser, Kurt A.↗

Clumpy Langmuir waves in type III radio sources - Comparison of stochastic-growth theory with observations

Detailed comparisons are made between the Langmuir-wave properties predicted by the recently developed stochastic-growth theory of type III sources and those observed by the plasma wave experiment on ISEE 3, after correcting for the main instrumental and selection effects. Analysis of the observed field-strength distribution confirms the theoretically predicted form and implies that wave growth fluctuates both spatially and temporally in sign and magnitude, leading to an extremely clumpy distribution of fields. A cutoff in the field-strength distribution is seen at a few mV/m, corresponding to saturation via nonlinear effects. Analysis of the size distribution of Langmuir clumps yields results in accord with those obtained in earlier work and with the size distribution of ambient density fluctuations in the solar wind. This confirms that the inhomogeneities in the Langmuir growth rate are determined by the density fluctuations and that these fluctuations persist during type III events.

Robinson, P. A.↗

New Directions in Asymptotically Stable Finite-dimensional Adaptive Control of Linear Distributed Parameter Systems

Distributed Parameter Systems (DPS), such as systems described by partial differential equations, require infinite-dimensional state space descriptions to correctly model their dynamical behavior. However, any adaptive control algorithm must be finite-dimensional in order to be implemented via on-line digital computers. Finite-dimensional adaptive control of linear DPS requires stability analysis of nonlinear, time-varying, infinite-dimensional systems. The structure of nonadaptive finite-dimensional control of linear DPS is summarized as it relates to the existence of limiting systems for adaptive control. Two candidate schemes for finite-dimensional adaptive control of DPS are described and critical issues in infinite-dimensional stability analysis are discussed, in particular, the invariance principle, center manifold theory, and relationships between input-output and internal stability.

Balas, M. J.↗

Analysis of Compressibility Effects and Nonlinear Property Variations in a Supercritical CO2 Mixing Layer

Calculations are performed using the large eddy simulation technique to qualitatively assess the effects of fluid compressibility and thermodynamic nonlinearities on the dynamics of a supercritical flow field. Resulting data are also used to interrogate instantaneous subfilter-scale fields, as modeled by the mixed-dynamic Smagorinsky closure and gradient diffusion model. A three-dimensional wall-resolved calculation of a spatially evolving mixing layer composed solely of carbon dioxide is performed. This is followed by a coarse grid calculation to examine model performance as a function of resolution. Theoretical analysis indicates that the partial derivatives of density with respect to pressure and temperature are important modulators of the temperature and pressure field evolution, respectively. Results pertaining to subfilter velocity-velocity and velocity-temperature fields indicate that the models are most stressed in the regions where compressibility and thermo-fluid nonlinearities dominate the physics.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Testing predictions of electron scale turbulent pedestal transport in two DIII-D ELMy H-modes

In this study, we present linear and nonlinear gyrokinetic analyses in the pedestal region of two DIII-D ELMy H-mode discharges using the CGYRO code. The otherwise matched discharges employ different divertor configurations to investigate the impact of varying recycling and particle source on pedestal profiles. Linear gyrokinetic simulations find electrostatic ion-scale instabilities (ion temperature gradient and trapped electron modes, ITG-TEM) are present just inside the top of the pedestal with growth rates that are enhanced significantly by parallel velocity shear. In the sharp gradient region, E x B shearing rates are comparable or larger than ion scale growth rates, suggesting the suppression of ITG-TEM modes in this region. Instead, the electron temperature profiles are found to be correlated with and just above the electron temperature gradient (ETG) instability thresholds. Using gradients varied within experimental uncertainties, nonlinear electron-scale gyrokinetic simulations predict electron heat fluxes from ETG turbulence, that when added to neoclassical ion thermal transport simulated by NEO, account for 30-60% of the total experimental heat flux. In addition, the neoclassical electron particle flux is found to contribute significantly to the experimental fluxes inferred from SOLPS-ITER analysis. Additional nonlinear gyrokinetic simulations are run varying input gradients to develop a threshold-based reduced model for ETG transport, finding a relatively simple dependence on η e = L ne /L Te . Predictive transport simulations are used to validate this pedestal-specific ETG model, in conjunction with a model for neoclassical particle transport. In both discharges, the predicted electron temperatures are always overpredicted, indicative of the insufficient stiffness in the ETG pedestal model to account for all of the experimental electron thermal transport. In the case of the closed divertor discharge with lower particle source, the predicted electron density is close to the experiment, consistent with the magnitude of neoclassical particle transport in that discharge. However, the density profiles are overpredicted in the open divertor discharge (larger particle source), due to insufficient model transport. In conclusion, the implications for other mechanisms accounting for the remainder of transport in the sharp gradient region in the two discharges are discussed.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗