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At least 829 records · Page 46

PIAS: A program for an iterative aeroelastic solution

A Program for an Iterative Aeroelastic Solution (PIAS) is discussed. This will be a modular computer program that combines the use of a finite-element structural analysis code with any linear or nonlinear aerodynamic code. At this point in time, PIAS has been designed but the software has not been written. The idea for this development originated with P. J. (Bud) Bobbitt of the NASA Langley Research Center. There was initial interest in an aeroelastic solution for a separation-induced leading-edge vortex. Some examples of the flow patterns for a low aspect ratio wing are shown. The Leading-Edge Vortex Program, which calculates pressure distributions including the effects of a separation-induced leading-edge vortex, uses an iterative solution method. This led to the concept of an iteration cycle on configuration shape external to the aerodynamic code.

Manro, M. E.↗

Optimal Control of SOEC-Based Hydrogen Production Systems for Demand Response Using Deep Reinforcement Learning in Smart Grids

Solid oxide electrolysis cell (SOEC) hydrogen production technology can range in size from small, appliance-size equipment to large-scale, central production facilities that can be tied directly to renewable or non-greenhouse-gas-emitting forms of electricity production, making it an ideal resource for demand response (DR). The SOEC hydrogen production system is a complex integrated system that encompasses fluid dynamics, electrical dynamics, and electrochemical and thermal dynamics, all of which involve non-linearity and non-convexity. Proper control of the SOEC hydrogen production system is crucial to enable its participation in the DR program. Here, to overcome the difficulty of designing an explicit control law for such nonlinear systems with nonconvex optimization features in DR applications, deep reinforcement learning (DRL) is explored to achieve the optimal control of the SOEC system for DR participation. Specifically, a twin delayed deterministic policy gradient (TD3) control framework is applied to achieve optimal response performance during DR events by considering power tracking error and hydrogen production efficiency with a suitable reward function. Two case studies with grid connections for tracking different DR commands were investigated. The first case study involved operating conditions reaching the boundaries, while the second involved operating conditions within the boundaries. The results showed that the proposed DRL-based control for SOEC can track the DR signal in a timely manner while maintaining high energy efficiency.

08 HYDROGEN↗

2024 Incubator Final Report: Active Hybrid Mooring

This Incubator project has defined and developed a representation of an active hybrid mooring (AHM) system in Simulink to assess whether the speed and accuracy of AHM is sufficient to warrant further investigation in a larger project. We first built a representative mooring system for the VolturnUS-S 15MW floating offshore wind turbine (FOWT) in 1,000-meter water depth to provide baseline loads and displacements needed in the AHM system, with the results showing off-the-shelf actuators would be practical. We then defined model configurations for the numerical and physical substructures, using standalone MoorDyn v2 with a novel input strategy and chained hydraulic actuators represented in Simulink Simscape, respectively. The remainder of the project has focused on verifying the existing models for speed and accuracy against OpenFAST simulations, increasing their complexity to enable six degree of freedom (6DOF) operation, and connecting the numerical and physical substructures into a single holistic model. The verification phase of the project has shown promising results, though further refinement is needed to resolve accuracy discrepancies and for robust performance across a wider range of metocean conditions. The numerical model we developed is computationally stable and operates faster than real time using a time step of 0.01 seconds or shorter, indicating the model is likely fast enough for our AHM design to operate successfully. Additionally, the Simscape model of a hydraulic actuator operates with less than 0.3% relative error when actuating mooring loads from an OpenFAST simulation of the VolturnUS-S 1,000-meter mooring system. The aforementined refinements will be performed in the next year as a Continuing Incubator, with key remaining tasks include programming the predictor-corrector loop to minimize movement error, testing against more complex nonlinear wave cases, and expanding to enable loads from connected shared mooring lines.

17 WIND ENERGY↗

Numerical analysis of stiffened shear webs in the postbuckling range

The postbuckling behavior of shear webs divided into rectangular panels by stiffeners (uprights) was studied numerically, using the STAGS program in which two-dimensional finite differences are used to solve buckling and nonlinear problems. Universal nondimensional parameters, suggested by linear buckling data, are found to hold for the postbuckling range. Results indicate that the postbuckling stiffness of shear webs with isotropic panels is roughly two thirds of the prebuckling stiffness. The postbuckling behavior of shear webs with isotropic and orthotropic material properties is compared. Some practical aspects of solving nonlinear problems of this type by the numerical method employed are examined.

Stein, M.↗

Comparison of the nonlinear dynamic characteristics of Barber S-2 and ASF ride control freight trucks

The results of an experimental and analytical program to define the load deflection characteristics of a Barber S-2 freight truck and to compare these characteristics to those of an ASF freight truck of the same load capacity are presented. The comparison of the two trucks is made on a parameter basis and on the basis of the wheel/rail loads induced by track misalignment. The results indicate there is very little difference in the parameters and the response of the two trucks. This is of course qualified by the assumptions required in the development of the mathematical models.

Abbott, P.↗

Two-Stage Linearization Circuit

High accuracy is obtained by combining analog and digital corrections. Proximity-sensor linearization circuit has two stages. First-stage linearization is accurate to about 3 percent; accuracy of final output is better than 0.5 percent. By modifying contents of the Programable Read-Only Memory (PROM), circuit can also be used to derive a nonlinear output.

Waldeck, G. C.↗

A three degree-of-freedom, typical section flutter analysis using harmonic transonic air forces

Typical section flutter solutions are obtained using generalized air forces calculated with OPTRAN2, a program based on the transonic small perturbation potential equation, which uses potentials from a nonlinear solution to the steady flow to obtain linear unsteady air forces. Flutter results are calculated with a conventional, linear V-g type solution. Results are presented for a NACA 64A010 airfoil oscillating in plunge and pitch, and with a quarter-chord control surface in the Mach number range of 0.80 to 0.90. The flutter boundary shows a significant 'transonic' bucket, together with changes in flutter mode as, with increasing Mach numbers, a shock appears on the airfoil and then moves aft. Single degree-of-freedom instabilities associated with both the pitch and the control surface motions are identified.

Weatherill, W. H.↗

The influence of dynamic inflow and torsional flexibility on rotor damping in forward flight from symbolically generated equations

The combined effects of blade torsion and dynamic inflow on the aeroelastic stability of an elastic rotor blade in forward flight are studied. The governing sets of equations of motion (fully nonlinear, linearized, and multiblade equations) used in this study are derived symbolically using a program written in FORTRAN. Stability results are presented for different structural models with and without dynamic inflow. A combination of symbolic and numerical programs at the proper stage in the derivation process makes the obtainment of final stability results an efficient and straightforward procedure.

Reddy, T. S. R.↗

Constitutive modeling for isotropic materials

Constitutive theories were evaluated against a large uniaxial and multiaxial data base that was generated as part of this work. The experimental approach was to determine the constitutive behavior of Rene 80 under a multitude of conditions that are important in the design of gas turbine blades and vanes. The experimental and analytical goals of this program were successfully accomplished. A new multiaxial constitutive model which can represent the complex nonlinear high temperature behavior of Rene 80 was developed. The model was extensively verified on data at several temperatures.

Ramaswamy, V. G.↗

Geometric programming prediction of design trends for OMV protective structures

The global optimization trends of protective honeycomb structural designs for spacecraft subject to hypervelocity meteroid and space debris are presented. This nonlinear problem is first formulated for weight minimization of the orbital maneuvering vehicle (OMV) using a generic monomial predictor. Five problem formulations are considered, each dependent on the selection of independent design variables. Each case is optimized by considering the dual geometric programming problem. The dual variables are solved for in terms of the generic estimated exponents of the monomial predictor. The primal variables are then solved for by conversion. Finally, parametric design trends are developed for ranges of the estimated regression parameters. Results specify nonmonotonic relationships for the optimal first and second sheet mass per unit areas in terms of the estimated exponents.

Mog, R. A.↗

Sonic boom predictions using a modified Euler code

The environmental impact of a next generation fleet of high-speed civil transports (HSCT) is of great concern in the evaluation of the commercial development of such a transport. One of the potential environmental impacts of a high speed civilian transport is the sonic boom generated by the aircraft and its effects on the population, wildlife, and structures in the vicinity of its flight path. If an HSCT aircraft is restricted from flying overland routes due to excessive booms, the commercial feasibility of such a venture may be questionable. NASA has taken the lead in evaluating and resolving the issues surrounding the development of a high speed civilian transport through its High-Speed Research Program (HSRP). The present paper discusses the usage of a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) nonlinear code in predicting the pressure signature and ultimately the sonic boom generated by a high speed civilian transport. NASA had designed, built, and wind tunnel tested two low boom configurations for flight at Mach 2 and Mach 3. Experimental data was taken at several distances from these models up to a body length from the axis of the aircraft. The near field experimental data serves as a test bed for computational fluid dynamic codes in evaluating their accuracy and reliability for predicting the behavior of future HSCT designs. Sonic boom prediction methodology exists which is based on modified linear theory. These methods can be used reliably if near field signatures are available at distances from the aircraft where nonlinear and three dimensional effects have diminished in importance. Up to the present time, the only reliable method to obtain this data was via the wind tunnel with costly model construction and testing. It is the intent of the present paper to apply a modified three dimensional Euler code to predict the near field signatures of the two low boom configurations recently tested by NASA.

Siclari, Michael J.↗

Computation of iodine species concentrations in water

During an evaluation of the use of iodine as a water disinfectant and the development of methods for measuring various iodine species in water onboard Space Freedom, it became necessary to compute the concentration of the various species based on equilibrium principles alone. Of particular concern was the case when various amounts of iodine, iodide, strong acid, and strong base are added to water. Such solutions can be used to evaluate the performance of various monitoring methods being considered. The authors of this paper present an overview of aqueous iodine chemistry, a set of nonlinear equations which can be used to model the above case, and a computer program for solving this system of equations using the Newton-Raphson method. The program was validated by comparing results over a range of concentrations and pH values with those previously presented by Gottardi for a given pH. Use of this program indicated that there are multiple roots to many cases and selecting an appropriate initial guess is important. Comparison of program results with laboratory results for the case when only iodine is added to water indicates the program gives high pH values for the iodine concentrations normally used for water disinfection. Extending the model to include the effects of iodate formation results in the computer pH values being closer to those observed, but the model with iodate does not agree well for the case in which base is added in addition to iodine to raise the pH. Potential explanations include failure to obtain equilibrium conditions in the lab, inaccuracies in published values for the equilibrium constants, and inadequate model of iodine chemistry and/or the lack of adequate analytical methods for measuring the various iodine species in water.

Schultz, John R.↗

Transonic Flutter Suppression Control Law Design Using Classical and Optimal Techniques with Wind-Tunnel Results

The benchmark active controls technology and wind tunnel test program at NASA Langley Research Center was started with the objective to investigate the nonlinear, unsteady aerodynamics and active flutter suppression of wings in transonic flow. The paper will present the flutter suppression control law design process, numerical nonlinear simulation and wind tunnel test results for the NACA 0012 benchmark active control wing model. The flutter suppression control law design processes using (1) classical, (2) linear quadratic Gaussian (LQG), and (3) minimax techniques are described. A unified general formulation and solution for the LQG and minimax approaches, based on the steady state differential game theory is presented. Design considerations for improving the control law robustness and digital implementation are outlined. It was shown that simple control laws when properly designed based on physical principles, can suppress flutter with limited control power even in the presence of transonic shocks and flow separation. In wind tunnel tests in air and heavy gas medium, the closed-loop flutter dynamic pressure was increased to the tunnel upper limit of 200 psf. The control law robustness and performance predictions were verified in highly nonlinear flow conditions, gain and phase perturbations, and spoiler deployment. A non-design plunge instability condition was also successfully suppressed.

Mukhopadhyay, Vivek↗

Transonic Flutter Suppression Control Law Design, Analysis and Wind Tunnel Results

The benchmark active controls technology and wind tunnel test program at NASA Langley Research Center was started with the objective to investigate the nonlinear, unsteady aerodynamics and active flutter suppression of wings in transonic flow. The paper will present the flutter suppression control law design process, numerical nonlinear simulation and wind tunnel test results for the NACA 0012 benchmark active control wing model. The flutter suppression control law design processes using (1) classical, (2) linear quadratic Gaussian (LQG), and (3) minimax techniques are described. A unified general formulation and solution for the LQG and minimax approaches, based on the steady state differential game theory is presented. Design considerations for improving the control law robustness and digital implementation are outlined. It was shown that simple control laws when properly designed based on physical principles, can suppress flutter with limited control power even in the presence of transonic shocks and flow separation. In wind tunnel tests in air and heavy gas medium, the closed-loop flutter dynamic pressure was increased to the tunnel upper limit of 200 psf The control law robustness and performance predictions were verified in highly nonlinear flow conditions, gain and phase perturbations, and spoiler deployment. A non-design plunge instability condition was also successfully suppressed.

Mukhopadhyay, Vivek↗

Transonic Flutter Suppression Control Law Design, Analysis and Wind-Tunnel Results

The benchmark active controls technology and wind tunnel test program at NASA Langley Research Center was started with the objective to investigate the nonlinear, unsteady aerodynamics and active flutter suppression of wings in transonic flow. The paper will present the flutter suppression control law design process, numerical nonlinear simulation and wind tunnel test results for the NACA 0012 benchmark active control wing model. The flutter suppression control law design processes using (1) classical, (2) linear quadratic Gaussian (LQG), and (3) minimax techniques are described. A unified general formulation and solution for the LQG and minimax approaches, based on the steady state differential game theory is presented. Design considerations for improving the control law robustness and digital implementation are outlined. It was shown that simple control laws when properly designed based on physical principles, can suppress flutter with limited control power even in the presence of transonic shocks and flow separation. In wind tunnel tests in air and heavy gas medium, the closed-loop flutter dynamic pressure was increased to the tunnel upper limit of 200 psf. The control law robustness and performance predictions were verified in highly nonlinear flow conditions, gain and phase perturbations, and spoiler deployment. A non-design plunge instability condition was also successfully suppressed.

Mukhopadhyay, Vivek↗

Physical Sciences Research Priorities and Plans in OBPR

This paper presents viewgraphs of physical sciences research priorities and plans at the Office of Biological and Physical Sciences Research (OBPR). The topics include: 1) Sixth Microgravity Fluid Physics and Transport Phenomena Conference; 2) Beneficial Characteristics of the Space Environment; 3) Windows of Opportunity for Research Derived from Microgravity; 4) Physical Sciences Research Program; 5) Fundamental Research: Space-based Results and Ground-based Applications; 6) Nonlinear Oscillations; and 7) Fundamental Research: Applications to Mission-Oriented Research.

Trinh, Eugene↗

Transonic Flutter Suppression Control Law Design, Analysis and Wind-Tunnel Results

The benchmark active controls technology and wind tunnel test program at NASA Langley Research Center was started with the objective to investigate the nonlinear, unsteady aerodynamics and active flutter suppression of wings in transonic flow. The paper will present the flutter suppression control law design process, numerical nonlinear simulation and wind tunnel test results for the NACA 0012 benchmark active control wing model. The flutter suppression control law design processes using classical, and minimax techniques are described. A unified general formulation and solution for the minimax approach, based on the steady state differential game theory is presented. Design considerations for improving the control law robustness and digital implementation are outlined. It was shown that simple control laws when properly designed based on physical principles, can suppress flutter with limited control power even in the presence of transonic shocks and flow separation. In wind tunnel tests in air and heavy gas medium, the closed-loop flutter dynamic pressure was increased to the tunnel upper limit of 200 psf. The control law robustness and performance predictions were verified in highly nonlinear flow conditions, gain and phase perturbations, and spoiler deployment. A non-design plunge instability condition was also successfully suppressed.

Mukhopadhyay, Vivek↗