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At least 883 records · Page 49

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NASA NTRS1985

Determination of Mineral Type, Abundance, and Grain Size with Remotely Obtained Reflectance Spectra

To derive the abundances of minerals in a surface composed of more then one mineral in an intimate mixture, the bidirectional reflectance spectrum must be measured at several angles of incidence and emission. From these measurements, the scattering parameters may be derived, and the effective single scattering albedo can be computed from the models. If the scattering parameters are not derived, and the particles scatter anisotropically, then the computed effective single scattering albedo has been computed, the solution to the model is a nonlinear least squares problem with three unknowns per particle type. The solution is feasible when the complex indices of refraction and the densities of each mineral component are known. The unknowns are: the grain size of each particle type, the mass fraction of each particle type, and a grain internal scattering coefficient that describes grain imperfections.

Clark, R. N.↗

NASA NTRS1985

Transient Analysis of a Magnetic Heat Pump

An experimental heat pump that uses a rare earth element as the refrigerant is modeled using NASTRAN. The refrigerant is a ferromagnetic metal whose temperature rises when a magnetic field is applied and falls when the magnetic field is removed. The heat pump is used as a refrigerator to remove heat from a reservoir and discharge it through a heat exchanger. In the NASTRAN model the components modeled are represented by one-dimensional ROD elements. Heat flow in the solids and fluid are analyzed. The problem is mildly nonlinear since the heat capacity of the refrigerant is temperature-dependent. One simulation run consists of a series of transient analyses, each representing one stroke of the heat pump. An auxiliary program was written that uses the results of one NASTRAN analysis to generate data for the next NASTRAN analysis.

Schroeder, E. A.↗

NASA NTRS1984

A shock-capturing finite element method

Finite element methods are developed for a one-dimensional singular perturbation problem involving a nonlinear flux function. In the limit of vanishing dissipation, the numerical flux is found to be almost identical to that due to Engquist and Osher, the only difference being in the treatment of transonic compression. This facilitates sharper resolution of stationary shocks, but is accompanied by loss of smoothness and monotonicity.

Hughes, T. J. R.↗

NASA NTRS1984

Objective scatterometer wind ambiguity removal using smoothness and dynamical constraints

In the present investigation, a variational analysis method (VAM) is used to remove the ambiguity of the Seasat-A Satellite Scatterometer (SASS) winds. At each SASS data point, two, three, or four wind vectors (termed ambiguities) are retrieved. It is pointed out that the VAM is basically a least squares method for fitting data. The problem may be nonlinear. The best fit to the data and constraints is obtained on the basis of a minimization of the objective function. The VAM was tested and tuned at 12 h GMT Sept. 10, 1978. Attention is given to a case study involving an intense cyclone centered south of Japan at 138 deg E.

Hoffman, R. N.↗

NASA NTRS1985

ADS: A FORTRAN program for automated design synthesis: Version 1.10

A new general-purpose optimization program for engineering design is described. ADS (Automated Design Synthesis - Version 1.10) is a FORTRAN program for solution of nonlinear constrained optimization problems. The program is segmented into three levels: strategy, optimizer, and one-dimensional search. At each level, several options are available so that a total of over 100 possible combinations can be created. Examples of available strategies are sequential unconstrained minimization, the Augmented Lagrange Multiplier method, and Sequential Linear Programming. Available optimizers include variable metric methods and the Method of Feasible Directions as examples, and one-dimensional search options include polynomial interpolation and the Golden Section method as examples. Emphasis is placed on ease of use of the program. All information is transferred via a single parameter list. Default values are provided for all internal program parameters such as convergence criteria, and the user is given a simple means to over-ride these, if desired.

Vanderplaats, G. N.↗

NASA NTRS1986

An exact solution for the solidification of a liquid slab of binary mixture

The time dependent temperature and concentration profiles of a one dimensional finite slab of a binary liquid alloy is investigated during solidification. The governing equations are reduced to a set of coupled, nonlinear initial value problems using the method outlined by Meyer. Two methods will be used to solve these equations. The first method uses a Runge-Kutta-Fehlberg integrator to solve the equations numerically. The second method comprises of finding closed form solutions of the equations.

Antar, B. N.↗

NASA NTRS1985

Optimal landing of a helicopter in autorotation

Gliding descent in autorotation is a maneuver used by helicopter pilots in case of engine failure. The landing of a helicopter in autorotation is formulated as a nonlinear optimal control problem. The OH-58A helicopter was used. Helicopter vertical and horizontal velocities, vertical and horizontal displacement, and the rotor angle speed were modeled. An empirical approximation for the induced veloctiy in the vortex-ring state were provided. The cost function of the optimal control problem is a weighted sum of the squared horizontal and vertical components of the helicopter velocity at touchdown. Optimal trajectories are calculated for entry conditions well within the horizontal-vertical restriction curve, with the helicopter initially in hover or forwared flight. The resultant two-point boundary value problem with path equality constraints was successfully solved using the Sequential Gradient Restoration Technique.

Lee, A. Y. N.↗

NASA NTRS1985

An internal variable assisted formulation of moisture sorption models for polymers and composites

The purpose of the paper is to demonstrate that constitutive equations for moisture sorption and swelling can be obtained with an internal variable method which is rooted in the theory of irreversible thermodynamics. Realism is injected into the model through the concept of free volume. The power of the method is illustrated by the solution of the formidable nonlinear boundary value problem for diffusion with swelling-stress dependent diffusivity.

Hiel, C. C.↗

NASA NTRS1986

Optimal landing of a helicopter in autorotation

The landing of a helicopter in autorotation is formulated as a nonlinear optimal control problem. A unique feature in the present formulation is the addition of path inequality constraints on both the control and the state vectors. The control variable inequality constraint is a reflection of the limitation on the rotor thrust coefficient. The state-variable inequality constraint is an upper bound on the vertical sink-rate of the helicopter during descent. Optimal trajectories are calculated for entry conditions well within the height-velocity (H-V) restriction curve, with the helicopter initially in hover or in forward flight. The optimal solutions exhibited control techniques similar to those used by helicopter pilots in actual autorotational landings. The study indicates that, subject to pilot acceptability, a substantial reduction could be made in the H-V restriction zone using optimal control techniques.

Lee, A. Y.↗

NASA NTRS1987

Application of decomposition techniques to the preliminary design of a transport aircraft

A nonlinear constrained optimization problem describing the preliminary design process for a transport aircraft has been formulated. A multifaceted decomposition of the optimization problem has been made. Flight dynamics, flexible aircraft loads and deformations, and preliminary structural design subproblems appear prominently in the decomposition. The use of design process decomposition for scheduling design projects, a new system integration approach to configuration control, and the application of object-centered programming to a new generation of design tools are discussed.

Rogan, J. E.↗

NASA NTRS1986

Application of decomposition techniques to the preliminary design of a transport aircraft

A multifaceted decomposition of a nonlinear constrained optimization problem describing the preliminary design process for a transport aircraft has been made. Flight dynamics, flexible aircraft loads and deformations, and preliminary structural design subproblems appear prominently in the decomposition. The use of design process decomposition for scheduling design projects, a new system integration approach to configuration control, and the application of object-centered programming to a new generation of design tools are discussed.

Rogan, J. E.↗

NASA NTRS1987

A method for nonlinear optimization with discrete design variables

A numerical method is presented for the solution of nonlinear discrete optimization problems. The applicability of discrete optimization to engineering design is discussed, and several standard structural optimization problems are solved using discrete design variables. The method uses approximation techniques to create subproblems suitable for linear mixed-integer programming methods. The method employs existing software for continuous optimization and integer programming.

Olsen, Gregory R.↗

NASA NTRS1988

The dynamical regime of fluid flow at the core surface

An alternative method for determining the fluid motion immediately beneath the core-mantle boundary is presented which is based on solving the full nonlinear core motions problem. This method is used to examine three dynamical hypotheses about the flow: (1) the steady motions hypothesis; (2) the geostrophic hypothesis; and (3) the toroidal flow hypothesis. Better fits to the field are obtained with the toroidal flows than with geostrophic flows, casting considerable doubt on the validity of the geostrophic hypothesis. Additionally, some indication is found that failure of the frozen-flux approximation, a concomitant assumption, may be a serious obstacle to obtaining reliable maps of the core fluid flow.

Bloxham, Jeremy↗

NASA NTRS1989

Optimizing for minimum weight when two different finite element models and analyses are required

The Finite Element Structural Optimization Program's (FESOP) ability to perform minimum weight optimization using two different finite element analyses and models is discussed. FESOP uses the ADS optimizer developed by Dr. Garret Vanderplaats to solve the nonlinear constrained optimization problem. The design optimization problem requires a response spectrum analysis and model to evaluate the stress and displacement constraints. However, the problem needs a frequency analysis and model to calculate the natural frequencies used to evaluate the frequency range constraints. The results of both the successful and unsuccessful approaches used to solve this difficult weight minimization problem are summarized. The results show that no one ADS optimization algorithm worked in all cases. However, the Sequential Convex Programming and Modified Method of Feasible Directions algorithms were the most successful.

Hall, Jeffrey C.↗

NASA NTRS1989

Generic element processor (application to nonlinear analysis)

The focus here is on one aspect of the Computational Structural Mechanics (CSM) Testbed: finite element technology. The approach involves a Generic Element Processor: a command-driven, database-oriented software shell that facilitates introduction of new elements into the testbed. This shell features an element-independent corotational capability that upgrades linear elements to geometrically nonlinear analysis, and corrects the rigid-body errors that plague many contemporary plate and shell elements. Specific elements that have been implemented in the Testbed via this mechanism include the Assumed Natural-Coordinate Strain (ANS) shell elements, developed with Professor K. C. Park (University of Colorado, Boulder), a new class of curved hybrid shell elements, developed by Dr. David Kang of LPARL (formerly a student of Professor T. Pian), other shell and solid hybrid elements developed by NASA personnel, and recently a repackaged version of the workhorse shell element used in the traditional STAGS nonlinear shell analysis code. The presentation covers: (1) user and developer interfaces to the generic element processor, (2) an explanation of the built-in corotational option, (3) a description of some of the shell-elements currently implemented, and (4) application to sample nonlinear shell postbuckling problems.

Stanley, Gary↗

NASA NTRS1988

A forward method for optimal stochastic nonlinear and adaptive control

A computational approach is taken to solve the optimal nonlinear stochastic control problem. The approach is to systematically solve the stochastic dynamic programming equations forward in time, using a nested stochastic approximation technique. Although computationally intensive, this provides a straightforward numerical solution for this class of problems and provides an alternative to the usual dimensionality problem associated with solving the dynamic programming equations backward in time. It is shown that the cost degrades monotonically as the complexity of the algorithm is reduced. This provides a strategy for suboptimal control with clear performance/computation tradeoffs. A numerical study focusing on a generic optimal stochastic adaptive control example is included to demonstrate the feasibility of the method.

Bayard, David S.↗

NASA NTRS1990

Optimal fabrication processes for unidirectional metal-matrix composites - A computational simulation

A method is proposed for optimizing the fabrication process of unidirectional metal matrix composites. The temperature and pressure histories are optimized such that the residual microstresses of the composite at the end of the fabrication process are minimized and the material integrity throughout the process is ensured. The response of the composite during the fabrication is simulated based on a nonlinear micromechanics theory. The optimal fabrication problem is formulated and solved with nonlinear programming. Application cases regarding the optimization of the fabrication cool-down phases of unidirectional ultra-high modulus graphite/copper and silicon carbide/titanium composites are presented.

Saravanos, D. A.↗

NASA NTRS1991

A locally refined rectangular grid finite element method - Application to computational fluid dynamics and computational physics

The present FEM technique addresses both linear and nonlinear boundary value problems encountered in computational physics by handling general three-dimensional regions, boundary conditions, and material properties. The box finite elements used are defined by a Cartesian grid independent of the boundary definition, and local refinements proceed by dividing a given box element into eight subelements. Discretization employs trilinear approximations on the box elements; special element stiffness matrices are included for boxes cut by any boundary surface. Illustrative results are presented for representative aerodynamics problems involving up to 400,000 elements.

Young, David P.↗