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At least 919 records · Page 51

Recent advances in thermostructural finite element analysis

A comparison study is described which has indicated that the finite element and lumped parameter methods are comparable for steady-state conduction/convection analyses. The finite element model was advantageous because of the ease of model verification with computer graphics. Some problems encountered in constructing compatible thermal and structural models have indicated the need for further methodology developments to automate the transition between thermal and structural analyses. The need for more efficient finite element nonlinear transient algorithms has been cited. With further development in the thermal analysis area, the finite element method offers high potential for an integrated thermal/structural analysis capability.

Thornton, E. A.↗

Wavelet Methods Developed to Detect and Control Compressor Stall

A "wavelet" is, by definition, an amplitude-varying, short waveform with a finite bandwidth (e.g., that shown in the first two graphs). Naturally, wavelets are more effective than the sinusoids of Fourier analysis for matching and reconstructing signal features. In wavelet transformation and inversion, all transient or periodic data features (as in compressor-inlet pressures) can be detected and reconstructed by stretching or contracting a single wavelet to generate the matching building blocks. Consequently, wavelet analysis provides many flexible and effective ways to reduce noise and extract signals which surpass classical techniques - making it very attractive for data analysis, modeling, and active control of stall and surge in high-speed turbojet compressors. Therefore, fast and practical wavelet methods are being developed in-house at the NASA Lewis Research Center to assist in these tasks. This includes establishing user-friendly links between some fundamental wavelet analysis ideas and the classical theories (or practices) of system identification, data analysis, and processing.

Le, Dzu K.↗

Transient-forced convection film boiling on an isothermal flat plate

An approach for the solution of transient-forced convection film boiling on an isothermal flat plate using the boundary layer model is developed. The similarity variables are used to convert the governing partial differential equations to ordinary ones. The results of numerical solutions of these ordinary equations indicate that the transient process can be classified as one-dimensional conduction, intermediate, and the steady state regions. The time required for the one-dimensional conduction and the time necessary to attain a steady state condition are obtained. The influence of interfacial shear is seen to be negligible while the Prandtl Number and the ratio (C sub p delta T divided by h sub fg times Pr) have major influence. The use of local similarity approximations for the intermediate regime facilitates prediction of complete boundary layer growth. Using the ratio of time at any instant to the steady state time as abscissa, the curves representing the boundary layer growth can be merged into a single mean curve within 5 percent. Further, the analysis shows that the average rate of heat transfer during transient is 50 to 100 percent higher than those at steady state. The average rate of vapor convected away is 10 to 15 percent lower than at steady state while the average rate of accumulation to form the vapor layer is 1 to 14 times larger. Further, the total heat transferred during transient increases and the evaporation decreases for increasing values of C sub p delta T divided by h sub fg times Pr

Nagendra, H. R.↗

Detection of Spectral Evolution in the Bursts Emitted During the 2008-2009 Active Episode of SGR J1550 - 5418

In early October 2008, the Soft Gamma Repeater SGRJ1550 - 5418 (1E1547.0 - 5408, AXJ155052 - 5418, PSR J1550 - 5418) became active, emitting a series of bursts which triggered the Fermi Gamma-ray Burst Monitor (GBM) after which a second especially intense activity period commenced in 2009 January and a third, less active period was detected in 2009 March-April. Here we analyze the GBM data of all the bursts from the first and last active episodes. We performed temporal and spectral analysis for all events and found that their temporal characteristics are very similar to the ones of other SGR bursts, as well the ones reported for the bursts of the main episode (average burst durations 170ms). In addition, we used our sample of bursts to quantify the systematic uncertainties of the GBM location algorithm for soft gamma-ray transients to less than or equal to 8 degrees. Our spectral analysis indicates significant spectral evolution between the first and last set of events. Although the 2008 October events are best fit with a single blackbody function, for the 2009 bursts an Optically Thin Thermal Bremsstrahlung (OTTB) is clearly preferred. We attribute this evolution to changes in the magnetic field topology of the source, possibly due to effects following the very energetic main bursting episode.

von Kienlin, Andreas↗

Transient characteristics of simple systems to modulated random noise.

Discussed are the mean-square response exceedance characteristics of a single-tuned system to amplitude modulated noise. The results bear on the accuracy of spectral estimates of nonstationary data, and subsequently, relate directly to the design, analysis, and testing of structural systems in environments as gusts, earthquakes, and ignition transients. For noise correlated as an exponentially damped cosine, the nonstationary response may exceed its stationary value by a factor in excess of two. A time-varying shaping filter explanation is offered for this behavior. For white noise, such exceedances do not occur.

Barnoski, R. L.↗

Dynamic Modeling and Testing of MSRR-1 for Use in Microgravity Environments Analysis

Delicate microgravity science is unlikely to succeed on the International Space Station if vibratory and transient disturbers corrupt the environment. An analytical approach to compute the on-orbit acceleration environment at science experiment locations within a standard payload rack resulting from these disturbers is presented. This approach has been grounded by correlation and comparison to test verified transfer functions. The method combines the results of finite element and statistical energy analysis using tested damping and modal characteristics to provide a reasonable approximation of the total root-mean-square (RMS) acceleration spectra at the interface to microgravity science experiment hardware.

Gattis, Christy↗

A finite element approach for large motion dynamic analysis of multibody structures in space

A three-dimensional finite element formulation for modeling the transient dynamics of constrained multibody space sructures with truss-like configurations is presented. Convected coordinate systems are used to define rigid-body motion of individual elements in the system. These systems are located at one end of each element and are oriented such that one axis passes through the other end of the element. Deformation of each element, relative to its convected coordinate system, is defined by cubic flexural shape functions as used in finite element methods of structural analysis. The formulation is oriented toward joint dominated structures and places the generalized coordinates at the joint. A transformation matrix is derived to integrate joint degree-of-freedom into the equations of motion of the element. Based on the derivation, a general-purpose code LATDYN (Large Angle Transient DYNamics) was developed. Two examples are presented to illustrate the application of the code. For the spin-up of a flexible beam, results are compared with existing solutions available in the literature. For the deployment of one bay of a deployable space truss (the Minimast), results are verified by the geometric knowledge of the system and converged solution of a successively refined model.

Chang, Che-Wei↗

Evaluation of Test/Analysis Correlation Methods for Crash Applications

A project has been initiated to improve crash test and analysis correlation. The work in this paper concentrated on the test and simulation results for a fuselage section. Two drop tests of the section were conducted. The first test was designed to excite the linear structural response for comparison with finite element modal analysis results. The second test was designed to provide data for correlation with crash simulations. An MSC.Dytran model was developed to generate nonlinear transient dynamic results. Following minor modifications, the same model was executed in MSC.Nastran to generate modal analysis results. The results presented in this paper concentrate on evaluation of correlation methodologies for crash test data and finite element simulation results.

Lyle, Karen H.↗

Transient Structure Current Generated by the Activation of a Squib Device

Experimental measurements of the currents in pyro-activation circuits show that a structure current is generated during the pyro-activation process. This current is a transient current and is an intense source of electromagnetic interference. Analysis has indicated that the noise voltage induced on candidate victim circuits is sufficient to cause circuit upset and/or latchup. A survey of flight anomaly records has also correlated the occurrence of anomalies with the pyro-activation process. Detailed analyses, taking the spacecraft cabling configuration and circuit sensitivities into account, have shown that the structure current induced noise voltage could definitely be the cause of the anomalies. The threat of the structure current due to pyro-activation can be alleviated by isolating the pyro-activation circuit from ground and by proper arrangement of the cables in sensitive circuits.

pyrotechnic↗

Design and Verification Guidelines for Vibroacoustic and Transient Environments

Design and verification guidelines for vibroacoustic and transient environments contain many basic methods that are common throughout the aerospace industry. However, there are some significant differences in methodology between NASA/MSFC and others - both government agencies and contractors. The purpose of this document is to provide the general guidelines used by the Component Analysis Branch, ED23, at MSFC, for the application of the vibroacoustic and transient technology to all launch vehicle and payload components and payload components and experiments managed by NASA/MSFC. This document is intended as a tool to be utilized by the MSFC program management and their contractors as a guide for the design and verification of flight hardware.

Source record↗

Thermoviscoplastic response of thin plates subjected to intense local heating

A finite element method is employed to investigate the thermoviscoplastic response of a half-cylinder to intense localized transient heating. Thermoviscoplastic material behavior is characterized by the Bodner-Partom constitutive model. Structure geometry is modeled with a three-dimensional assembly of CST-DKT plate elements incorporating the large deflection von Karman assumptions. The paper compares the results of a dynamic analysis with a quasi-static analysis for the half-cylinder structure with a step-function transient temperature loading similar to that which may be encountered with shock wave interference on a hypersonic leading edge.

Byrom, Ted G.↗

Low-dimensional Representation of Error Covariance

Ensemble and reduced-rank approaches to prediction and assimilation rely on low-dimensional approximations of the estimation error covariances. Here stability properties of the forecast/analysis cycle for linear, time-independent systems are used to identify factors that cause the steady-state analysis error covariance to admit a low-dimensional representation. A useful measure of forecast/analysis cycle stability is the bound matrix, a function of the dynamics, observation operator and assimilation method. Upper and lower estimates for the steady-state analysis error covariance matrix eigenvalues are derived from the bound matrix. The estimates generalize to time-dependent systems. If much of the steady-state analysis error variance is due to a few dominant modes, the leading eigenvectors of the bound matrix approximate those of the steady-state analysis error covariance matrix. The analytical results are illustrated in two numerical examples where the Kalman filter is carried to steady state. The first example uses the dynamics of a generalized advection equation exhibiting nonmodal transient growth. Failure to observe growing modes leads to increased steady-state analysis error variances. Leading eigenvectors of the steady-state analysis error covariance matrix are well approximated by leading eigenvectors of the bound matrix. The second example uses the dynamics of a damped baroclinic wave model. The leading eigenvectors of a lowest-order approximation of the bound matrix are shown to approximate well the leading eigenvectors of the steady-state analysis error covariance matrix.

Tippett, Michael K.↗

An analysis of thermal stress and gas bending effects on vibrations of compressor rotor stages

A preliminary study conducted by Kerrebrock et al. (1976) has shown that the torsional rigidity of untwisted thin blades of a transonic compressor can be reduced significantly by transient thermal stresses. The aerodynamic loads have various effects on blade vibration. One effect is that gas bending loads may result in a bending-torsion coupling which may change the characteristics of the torsion and bending vibration of the blade. For a general study of transient-temperature distribution within a rotor stage, a finite-element heat-conduction analysis was developed. The blade and shroud are divided into annular elements. With a temperature distribution obtained from the heat-conduction analysis and a prescribed gas bending load distribution along the blade span, the static deformation and moment distributions of the blade can be solved iteratively using the finite-element method. The reduction of the torsional rigidity of pretwisted blades caused by the thermal stress effect is then computed. The dynamic behavior of the blade is studied by a modified Galerkin's method.

Chen, L.-T.↗

Transient response to three-phase faults on a wind turbine generator

In order to obtain a measure of its responses to short circuits a large horizontal axis wind turbine generator was modeled and its performance was simulated on a digital computer. Simulation of short circuit faults on the synchronous alternator of a wind turbine generator, without resort to the classical assumptions generally made for that analysis, indicates that maximum clearing times for the system tied to an infinite bus are longer than the typical clearing times for equivalent capacity conventional machines. Also, maximum clearing times are independent of tower shadow and wind shear. Variation of circuit conditions produce the modifications in the transient response predicted by analysis.

Gilbert, L. J.↗

Multi-Level Analysis of Pulsed Detonation Engines

The present study explores some issues concerning the operational performance of pulsed detonation engines. Zero-, one- and two-dimensional, transient models are employed in a synergistic manner to elucidate the various characteristics that can be expected from each level of analysis. The zero-dimensional model provides rapid parametric trends that help to identify the global characteristics of pulsed detonation engines. The one-dimensional model adds key wave propagation issues that are omitted in the zero-dimensional model and helps to assess its limitations. Finally, the two-dimensional model allows estimates of the first-order multi-dimensional effects and provides an initial multi-dimensional end-correction for the one-dimensional model. The zero-dimensional results indicate that the pulsed detonation engine is competitive with a rocket engine when exhausting to vacuum conditions. At finite back pressures, the PDE out-performs the rocket if the combustion pressure rise from the detonation is added to the chamber pressure in the rocket. If the two peak pressures are the same, the rocket performance is higher. Two-dimensional corrections added to the one-dimensional model result in a modest improvement in predicted specific impulse over the constant pressure boundary condition.

Ebrahimi, Houshang B.↗

Solar cycle variation of interplanetary disturbances observed as Doppler scintillation transients

Interplanetary disturbances characterized by plasma that is more turbulence and/or moves faster than the background solar wind are readily defected as transients in Doppler scintillation measurements of the near-Sun solar wind. Systematic analysis of over 23,000 hours of Pioneer Venus Orbiter Doppler measurements obtained inside 0.5 AU during 1979-1987 have made it possible for the first time to investigate the frequency of occurrence of Doppler scintillation transients under solar minimum conditions and to determine its dependence on solar cycle. On the basis of a total of 142 transients, Doppler scintillation transient rates vary from a high of 0.22 in 1979 (one every 4.6 days) to a low of 0.077 transients/d in 1986 (one every 13 days), a decrease by almost a factor of 3 from solar maximum to solar minimum. This solar cycle variation, the strongest yet of any solar wind Doppler scintillation property, is highly correlated with both solar activity characterized by sunspot number and the coronal mass ejection rates deduced from Solswind and Solar Maximum Mission (SMM) coronagraph observations. These results indicate that coronal mass ejections and Doppler scintillation transients are closely related not just during solar maximum, as occasional individual comparisons have shown in the past, but throughout the entire solar cycle, and strengthen the notation that the Doppler scintillation and optical transients are different manifestations of the same physical phenomenon. The magnitudes of the transients, as described by the ratio of peak to pretransient scintillation levels (EF for enhancement factor), and their distribution iwth heliocentric distance also vary with solar cycle. While EF tends to diminish with increasing heliocentric distance during high solar activity, it is more evenly distributed during low solar activity. EF is also lower during solar minimum, as 13% of the transients during solar maximum have values exceeding 23, the highest EF observed during solar minimum. These results are consistent with the fact that occasional major fast-moving interplanetary shocks that are observed during solar maximum are very rate during solar minimum.

Woo, Richard↗

CFD Analysis of an Installation Used to Measure the Skin-Friction Penalty of Acoustic Treatments

There is a drive to devise acoustic treatments with reduced skin-friction and therefore fuel-burn penalty for engine nacelles on commercial airplanes. The studies have been experimental, and the effects on skin-friction are deduced from measurements of the pressure drop along a duct. We conduct a detailed CFD analysis of the installation, for two purposes. The first is to predict the effects of the finite size of the rig, including its near-square cross-section and the moderate length of the treated patch; this introduces transient and blockage effects, which have not been included so far in the analysis. In addition, the flow is compressible, so that even with homogeneous surface conditions, it is not homogeneous in the streamwise direction. The second purpose is to extract an effective sand-grain roughness size for a particular liner, which in turn can be used in a CFD analysis of the aircraft, leading to actual predictions of the effect of acoustic treatments on fuel burn in service. The study is entirely based on classical turbulence models, with an appropriate modification for effective roughness effects, rather than directly modeling the liners.

Spalart, Philippe R.↗

New Tool Released for Engine-Airframe Blade-Out Structural Simulations

Researchers at the NASA Glenn Research Center have enhanced a general-purpose finite element code, NASTRAN, for engine-airframe structural simulations during steady-state and transient operating conditions. For steady-state simulations, the code can predict critical operating speeds, natural modes of vibration, and forced response (e.g., cabin noise and component fatigue). The code can be used to perform static analysis to predict engine-airframe response and component stresses due to maneuver loads. For transient response, the simulation code can be used to predict response due to bladeoff events and subsequent engine shutdown and windmilling conditions. In addition, the code can be used as a pretest analysis tool to predict the results of the bladeout test required for FAA certification of new and derivative aircraft engines. Before the present analysis code was developed, all the major aircraft engine and airframe manufacturers in the United States and overseas were performing similar types of analyses to ensure the structural integrity of engine-airframe systems. Although there were many similarities among the analysis procedures, each manufacturer was developing and maintaining its own structural analysis capabilities independently. This situation led to high software development and maintenance costs, complications with manufacturers exchanging models and results, and limitations in predicting the structural response to the desired degree of accuracy. An industry-NASA team was formed to overcome these problems by developing a common analysis tool that would satisfy all the structural analysis needs of the industry and that would be available and supported by a commercial software vendor so that the team members would be relieved of maintenance and development responsibilities. Input from all the team members was used to ensure that everyone's requirements were satisfied and that the best technology was incorporated into the code. Furthermore, because the code would be distributed by a commercial software vendor, it would be more readily available to engine and airframe manufacturers, as well as to nonaircraft companies that did not previously have access to this capability.

Lawrence, Charles↗