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At least 1,081 records · Page 60

Preflight reentry heat transfer analysis of Space Shuttle

Preflight predictions of the structural temperature distributions during entry are compared with data from the initial Shuttle flight. Finite element thermal analysis programming was used to model the heat flow on Shuttle structures and actual gas properties of air were employed in the analyses of aerodynamic heating. Laminar, separated, and turbulent heat fluxes were calculated for varying locations on the craft using velocity-attitude and angle-of-attack projections taken from the nominal STS-1 trajectory. Temperature time histories of the first flight are compared with laminar and turbulent flow assumptions and an unpredicted rapid cooling 1800 sec into entry is credited to inaccurate assumptions of structural heat dissipative properties or flow conditions in that time phase of the flight; additional discrepancies in descriptions of heating of the upper fuselage are attributed to a lack of knowledge of the complex flow patterns existing over that area of the Shuttle body.

Ko, W. L.↗

The economics of bootstrapping space industries - Development of an analytic computer model

A simple economic model of 'bootstrapping' industrial growth in space and on the Moon is presented. An initial space manufacturing facility (SMF) is assumed to consume lunar materials to enlarge the productive capacity in space. After reaching a predetermined throughput, the enlarged SMF is devoted to products which generate revenue continuously in proportion to the accumulated output mass (such as space solar power stations). Present discounted value and physical estimates for the general factors of production (transport, capital efficiency, labor, etc.) are combined to explore optimum growth in terms of maximized discounted revenues. It is found that 'bootstrapping' reduces the fractional cost to a space industry of transport off-Earth, permits more efficient use of a given transport fleet. It is concluded that more attention should be given to structuring 'bootstrapping' scenarios in which 'learning while doing' can be more fully incorporated in program analysis.

Goldberg, A. H.↗

Stability of flow over axisymmetric bodies with porous suction strips

Linear triple deck, closed form solutions for mean-flow quantities are developed for axisymmetric incompressible flow past a body with porous strips. The solutions account for upstream influence and are linear superpositions of the flow past the body without suction plus the perturbations due to the suction strips. Flow past the suctionless body is calculated using the Transition Analysis Program System, and a simple linear optimization scheme to determine number, spacing, and mass flow rate through the strips on an axisymmetric body is developed using the linear, triple-deck, closed-form solutions. The theory is demonstrated by predicting optimal strip distributions, and the effect of various adverse pressure-gradient situations on stability is studied.

Nayfeh, A. H.↗

Modern Numerical Methods for Classical Sampled System Analysis-SAMSAN

SAMSAN aids control-system analyst by providing self-consistent set of computer algorithms that support large-order control-system design and evaluation studies, with emphasis placed on sampled system analysis. Program provides set of algorithms readily integrated for solving control-system problems.

Frisch, H. P.↗

Gravity and magnetic anomaly data analysis

Progress on the analysis MAGSAT data is reported. The MAGSAT data from 40 deg S to 70 deg N latitude and 30 deg W to 60 E longitude was reduced to radial polarization. In addition, gravity anomaly data from this area were processed and a variety of filtered maps were prepared for combined interpretation of the gravity and magnetic data in conjunction with structural and tectonic maps of the area. The VERSATEC listings and cross-reference maps of variable and array names for the spherical Earth analysis programs NVERTSM, SMFLD, NVERTG, and GFLD were also prepared.

Braile, L. W.↗

Thermal radiation view factor: Methods, accuracy and computer-aided procedures

The computer aided thermal analysis programs which predicts the result of predetermined acceptable temperature range prior to stationing of these orbiting equipment in various attitudes with respect to the Sun and the Earth was examined. Complexity of the surface geometries suggests the use of numerical schemes for the determination of these viewfactors. Basic definitions and standard methods which form the basis for various digital computer methods and various numerical methods are presented. The physical model and the mathematical methods on which a number of available programs are built are summarized. The strength and the weaknesses of the methods employed, the accuracy of the calculations and the time required for computations are evaluated. The situations where accuracies are important for energy calculations are identified and methods to save computational times are proposed. Guide to best use of the available programs at several centers and the future choices for efficient use of digital computers are included in the recommendations.

Kadaba, P. V.↗

MAGSAT scalar anomalies

To facilitate processing large data arrays, elements of spherical Earth analysis programs NVERTSM, SMFLD, NVERTG and GLFD were implemented and tested on the LARS IBM 4341 computer. Currently, the problem of inverting 2 deg MAGSAT scalar anomalies for the region (80 W, 60 E) longitude and (40 S, 70 N) latitude is being implemented on the LARS-computer for quantitative comparison with free air gravity anomaly, geothermal and tectonic data. Gravity and MAGSAT anomalies from a subset of this region (30 W, 60 E), (40 S, 70 N) were already processed for a paper on satellite magnetic anomalies of Africa and Europe.

Braile, L. W.↗

Telecommunications performance analysis and monitoring software

The computer software used for telecommunications performance analysis and monitoring is discussed. The utilization of the TPAP analysis program for the Viking 1975 project and the Voyager 1977 project is described. The functional and design requirements for the successor system, TPAS, are also given.

Taylor, J. F.↗

Creep testing of foil-gage metals at elevated temperature using an automated data acquisition system

A method is being developed to obtain creep data on foil gage metals at elevated temperatures using an automated data acquisition system in conjunction with a mechanically counter balanced extensometer. The automated system components include the Hewlett-Packard (HP) 9845A desktop computer, the HP 3455A digital voltmeter and the HP 3495A scanner. Software for test monitoring and data collection was developed; data manipulation, including curve plotting was done with a HP regression analysis software package. Initial creep tests were conducted on .003 in. thick foil specimens of Ti-6A1-4V at temperatures of 800 F and 1000 F and at stress levels of 25 ksi and 45 ksi. For comparison, duplicate tests were run on .049 in. thick specimens sheet of the same alloy. During testing, the furnace and specimen temperature, bridge voltage, strain and load output were automatically monitored and recorded at predetermined intervals. Using the HP regression analysis program, recorded strain output was plotted as a function of time. These resultant creep curves indicate that, under similar conditions of temperature and stress, foil gage specimens exhibit a higher creep rate than sheet specimens.

Blackburn, L. B.↗

Time-independent Anisotropic Plastic Behavior by Mechanical Subelement Models

The paper describes a procedure for modelling the anisotropic elastic-plastic behavior of metals in plane stress state by the mechanical sub-layer model. In this model the stress-strain curves along the longitudinal and transverse directions are represented by short smooth segments which are considered as piecewise linear for simplicity. The model is incorporated in a finite element analysis program which is based on the assumed stress hybrid element and the iscoplasticity-theory.

Pian, T. H. H.↗

Interactive systems analysis of four structural concepts for a Land Mobile Satellite System

Weight and structural analysis data were generated for four structural concepts for a Land Mobile Satellite System (LMSS) using the Interactive Design and Evaluation of Advanced Spacecraft (IDEAS) computer-aided design and analysis program. Structural concepts analyzed included the wrapped radial rib, box ring, tetrahedral truss, and hoop column. Estimates of total spacecraft weight, structural natural frequencies and modal shapes were determined and compared for several loading conditions for each concept. Spacecraft-induced and environmental effects on antenna performance (surface accuracy, defocus and boresight offset) are quantified.

Ferebee, M. J., Jr.↗

Thermal Radiation Analyzer

Thermal Radiation Analyzer System TRASYS II solves radiation related aspects of thermal analysis problems. TRASYS II provides for calculation of internode radiation interchange data and for calculation of incident and absorbed heat rate data originating from environmental radiant heat sources. When TRASYS II used in conjunction with generalized thermal analysis program such as Systems Improved Numerical Differencing Analyzer (SINDA), any thermal problem expressed in terms of lumped parameter RC thermal network solved.

Vogt, R. A.↗

Adaptation of two-dimensional transonic analysis code, TSFOIL, for use in modeling adaptive wall test sections

The effects of the elastic deformation of the wind tunnel wall held to a streamline-like shape were simulated numerically. The wall itself is simulated by a finite element model and is allowed to deform under the pressure loading developing in the wind tunnel with an airfoil model present. A modified version of the transonic analysis program, TSFOIL, is then used to determine the resulting flow field with the effects of the deformed wall included, the shape of the wall and the flow field. Once a result from a particular operating condition was obtained, the pressure distribution on the airfoil in the wind tunnel model is compared with solutions generated by TSFOIL in the free air mode.

Webb, J.↗

Primer for the Transportable Applications Executive

The Transportable Applications Executive (TAE), an interactive multipurpose executive that provides commonly required functions for scientific analysis systems, is discussed. The concept of an executive is discussed and the various components of TAE are presented. These include on-line help information, the use of menus or commands to access analysis programs, and TAE command procedures.

Carlson, P. A.↗

Bearing tester data compilation, analysis and reporting and bearing math modeling, volume 1

Thermal and mechanical models of high speed angular contact ball bearings operating in LOX and LN2 were developed and verified with limited test data in an effort to further understand the parameters that determine or effect the SSME turbopump bearing operational characteristics and service life. The SHABERTH bearing analysis program which was adapted to evaluate shaft bearing systems in cryogenics is not capable of accommodating varying thermal properties and two phase flow. A bearing model with this capability was developed using the SINDA thermal analyzer. Iteration between the SHABERTH and the SINDA models enable the establishment of preliminary bounds for stable operation in LN2. These limits were established in terms of fluid flow, fluid inlet temperature, and axial load for a shaft speed of 30,000 RPM.

Marshall, D. D.↗

Numerical optimization design of advanced transonic wing configurations

A computationally efficient and versatile technique for use in the design of advanced transonic wing configurations has been developed. A reliable and fast transonic wing flow-field analysis program, TWING, has been coupled with a modified quasi-Newton method, unconstrained optimization algorithm, QNMDIF, to create a new design tool. Fully three-dimensional wing designs utilizing both specified wing pressure distributions and drag-to-lift ration minimization as design objectives are demonstrated. Because of the high computational efficiency of each of the components of the design code, in particular the vectorization of TWING and the high speed of the Cray X-MP vector computer, the computer time required for a typical wing design is reduced by approximately an order of magnitude over previous methods. In the results presented here, this computed wave drag has been used as the quantity to be optimized (minimized) with great success, yielding wing designs with nearly shock-free (zero wave drag) pressure distributions and very reasonable wing section shapes.

Cosentino, G. B.↗

An emulator for minimizing computer resources for finite element analysis

A computer code, SCOPE, has been developed for predicting the computer resources required for a given analysis code, computer hardware, and structural problem. The cost of running the code is a small fraction (about 3 percent) of the cost of performing the actual analysis. However, its accuracy in predicting the CPU and I/O resources depends intrinsically on the accuracy of calibration data that must be developed once for the computer hardware and the finite element analysis code of interest. Testing of the SCOPE code on the AMDAHL 470 V/8 computer and the ELAS finite element analysis program indicated small I/O errors (3.2 percent), larger CPU errors (17.8 percent), and negligible total errors (1.5 percent).

Melosh, R.↗

Application of VLBI and satellite laser ranging to geodynamics

The NASA Crustal Dynamics Project has developed very-long baseline interferometer (VLBI) systems and satellite laser ranging (SLR) systems for geodynamics measurements. In VLBI, a radio noise signal from a distant quasar is received by two or more radio antennas and coherently recorded. These recordings are cross-correlated to determine the relative signal delays between stations which are used to derive the vector baselines between the stations. The SLR systems accurately determine the range to a retroreflector satellite as a function of time with short laser pulses. These range measurements from several stations to the same satellite are used in orbit analysis programs to determine the position of the stations and the vector baselines between the stations. Measurements with these systems have achieved precisions of a few centimeters in length for distances of several thousand km. These systems are now operating in a global network for measuring the relative motion of the N. American, Pacific, S. American, Nazca, Eurasian and Australian tectonic plates. Highly mobile VLBI and SLR systems are being operated at many sites in the active earthquake areas in western N. America in order to determine the crustal deformation and strain accumulation.

Coates, R. J.↗