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NASA NTRS1984

Development and support structures for high-power solar arrays

A number of structurally efficient configurations for wing-type solar arrays are developed by a combination of deepening the planform of the blanket and structure and by partitioning the blanket with battens and frequent attachments to the support structure. This technique reduces the tension required to avoid a low natural frequency for the blanket, and the load reduction results in a lighter structure. The use of three different structures are investigated: the Astromast, the Extendible Support Structure (ESS), and a new beam called the STACBEAM (Stacking Triangular Articulated Compact Beam) and their relative performances are compared. The investigation of the STACBEAM is emphasized because its sequential deployment is more reliable for very long systems, and its linear deployment facilitates local attachments to the blanket and the development of a low mass deployer.

Knapp, K.↗

NASA NTRS1994

Topside observation of gravity waves

The AEPI (Atmospheric Emissions Photometric Imager) experiment on the ATLAS-1 shuttle mission (launched March 24, 1992) imaged the earth night airglow emission in O2 Atmospheric (0,0) bands, at 762.0 nm. Earthward views of O2 A bands show structure from gravity waves which exhibit extended horizontal structure with horizontal wavelenghts on the order of 50-100 km. These observations of the O2 A (0,0) bands are particularly interesting since in this wavelength the lower atmosphere absorbs all the earth-reflected emissions and most of the spectrally diffuse backgrounds. Herein we present observations of gravity waves using a topside airglow imaging technique.

Mende, S. B.↗

NASA NTRS1999

The Astro-E/XRS Blocking Filter Calibration

We describe the transmission calibration of the Astro-E XRS blocking filters. The XRS instrument has five aluminized polyimide blocking filters. These filters are located at thermal stages ranging from 200 K to 60 mK. They are each about 1000 A thick. XRS will have high energy resolution which will enable it to see some of the extended fine structure around the oxygen and aluminum K edges of these filters. Thus, we are conducting a high spectral resolution calibration of the filters near these energies to resolve out extended flue structure and absorption lines.

Audley, Michael D.↗

NASA NTRS1988

Nondestructive construction error detection in large space structures

Continuum modeling of large space structures is extended to the problem of detecting construction errors in large space structures such as the proposed space station. First-order dynamic sensitivity equations for structures involving eigenfrequencies, modal masses, modal stiffnesses, and modal damping are presented. Matrix equations relating changes in element parameters to dynamic sensitivities are summarized. The sensitivity equations for the entire dynamical system are rearranged as a system of algebraic equations with unknowns of stiffness losses at selected locations. The feasibility of the formulation is numerically demonstrated on a simply-supported Euler-Bernouilli beam with simulated construction defects. The method is next extended to large space structures modelled as equivalent continua with simulated construction defects.

Stubbs, Norris↗

NASA NTRS1996

Element Library for Three-Dimensional Stress Analysis by the Integrated Force Method

The Integrated Force Method, a recently developed method for analyzing structures, is extended in this paper to three-dimensional structural analysis. First, a general formulation is developed to generate the stress interpolation matrix in terms of complete polynomials of the required order. The formulation is based on definitions of the stress tensor components in term of stress functions. The stress functions are written as complete polynomials and substituted into expressions for stress components. Then elimination of the dependent coefficients leaves the stress components expressed as complete polynomials whose coefficients are defined as generalized independent forces. Such derived components of the stress tensor identically satisfy homogenous Navier equations of equilibrium. The resulting element matrices are invariant with respect to coordinate transformation and are free of spurious zero-energy modes. The formulation provides a rational way to calculate the exact number of independent forces necessary to arrive at an approximation of the required order for complete polynomials. The influence of reducing the number of independent forces on the accuracy of the response is also analyzed. The stress fields derived are used to develop a comprehensive finite element library for three-dimensional structural analysis by the Integrated Force Method. Both tetrahedral- and hexahedral-shaped elements capable of modeling arbitrary geometric configurations are developed. A number of examples with known analytical solutions are solved by using the developments presented herein. The results are in good agreement with the analytical solutions. The responses obtained with the Integrated Force Method are also compared with those generated by the standard displacement method. In most cases, the performance of the Integrated Force Method is better overall.

Kaljevic, Igor↗

NASA NTRS1979

A cubic extended interior penalty function for structural optimization

This paper describes an optimization procedure for the minimum weight design of complex structures. The procedure is based on a new cubic extended interior penalty function (CEIPF) used with the sequence of unconstrained minimization technique (SUMT) and Newton's method. The Hessian matrix of the penalty function is approximated using only constraints and their derivatives. The CEIPF is designed to minimize the error in the approximation of the Hessian matrix, and as a result the number of structural analyses required is small and independent of the number of design variables. Three example problems are reported. The number of structural analyses is reduced by as much as 50 per cent below previously reported results.

Prasad, B.↗

NASA NTRS1979

On the structure of the solar transition zone and lower corona

Recent observations of the solar transition zone and corona obtained primarily from NRL spectrographs on Skylab are summarized and used to examine the structure of the transition zone. The transition zone is revealed to be more inhomogeneous than is apparent from spectroheliograms with spatial resolution of about 3 arcsec. Transition-zone emission appears to arise in spicularlike structures. The effective area covered by the emitting structures at lower transition-zone temperatures (about 100,000 K) is only about 1% of the total surface area of the sun. The transition zone is highly inhomogeneous even over cell interior regions, where fluctuations in brightness by factors of 25 can occur. It is shown that homogeneous coronal models are not valid for the inner corona. Most of the higher-density inner corona is concentrated into looplike structures that extend down to the white-light limb. These structures are unrelated to the spicular-type structures that produce most of the transition-zone emission.

Feldman, U.↗

NASA NTRS1992

Recent developments of the NESSUS probabilistic structural analysis computer program

The NESSUS probabilistic structural analysis computer program combines state-of-the-art probabilistic algorithms with general purpose structural analysis methods to compute the probabilistic response and the reliability of engineering structures. Uncertainty in loading, material properties, geometry, boundary conditions and initial conditions can be simulated. The structural analysis methods include nonlinear finite element and boundary element methods. Several probabilistic algorithms are available such as the advanced mean value method and the adaptive importance sampling method. The scope of the code has recently been expanded to include probabilistic life and fatigue prediction of structures in terms of component and system reliability and risk analysis of structures considering cost of failure. The code is currently being extended to structural reliability considering progressive crack propagation. Several examples are presented to demonstrate the new capabilities.

Millwater, H.↗

NASA NTRS2000

Finite Element Model Development For Aircraft Fuselage Structures

Buehrle, Ralph D.↗

NASA NTRS2000

Finite Element Model Development and Validation for Aircraft Fuselage Structures

The ability to extend the valid frequency range for finite element based structural dynamic predictions using detailed models of the structural components and attachment interfaces is examined for several stiffened aircraft fuselage structures. This extended dynamic prediction capability is needed for the integration of mid-frequency noise control technology. Beam, plate and solid element models of the stiffener components are evaluated. Attachment models between the stiffener and panel skin range from a line along the rivets of the physical structure to a constraint over the entire contact surface. The finite element models are validated using experimental modal analysis results. The increased frequency range results in a corresponding increase in the number of modes, modal density and spatial resolution requirements. In this study, conventional modal tests using accelerometers are complemented with Scanning Laser Doppler Velocimetry and Electro-Optic Holography measurements to further resolve the spatial response characteristics. Whenever possible, component and subassembly modal tests are used to validate the finite element models at lower levels of assembly. Normal mode predictions for different finite element representations of components and assemblies are compared with experimental results to assess the most accurate techniques for modeling aircraft fuselage type structures.

Buehrle, Ralph D.↗

NASA NTRS1994

Split mandrel versus split sleeve coldworking: Dual methods for extending the fatigue life of metal structures

It is common practice to use split sleeve coldworking of fastener holes as a means of extending the fatigue life of metal structures. In search of lower manufacturing costs, the aerospace industry is examining the split mandrel (sleeveless) coldworking process as an alternative method of coldworking fastener holes in metal structures. The split mandrel process (SpM) significantly extends the fatigue life of metal structures through the introduction of a residual compressive stress in a manner that is very similar to the split sleeve system (SpSl). Since the split mandrel process is significantly less expensive than the split sleeve process and more adaptable to robotic automation, it will have a notable influence upon other new manufacture of metal structures which require coldworking a significant number of holes, provided the aerospace community recognizes that the resulting residual stress distributions and fatigue life improvement are the same for both processes. Considerable testing has validated the correctness of that conclusion. The findings presented in this paper represent the results of an extensive research and development program, comprising data collected from over 400 specimens fabricated from 2024-T3 and 7075-T651 aluminum alloys in varied configurations, which quantify the benefits (fatigue enhancement and cost savings) of automating a sleeveless coldworking system.

Rodman, Geoffrey A.↗

NASA NTRS1976

Observations of intensity and linear polarization of CTB 80 at 6 and 2.8 cm

The paper presents observations of the distribution of intensity and linear polarization over the radio source CTB 80 at 6 and 2.8 cm. The physical nature of the source is examined, particularly the relation between the strong central component and a ridgelike structure that extends across the northern half in the E-W direction. The structure, nonthermal spectrum, and polarization of the central component are found to be very similar to those of a supernova remnant, but the ridge is shown to be unlike any feature of any other SNR. It is suggested that the ridge may have resulted from expansion of the remnant shell into a dense interstellar cloud or, alternatively, that CTB 80 might be a nearby extragalactic radio source similar to Centaurus A.

Velusamy, T.↗

NASA NTRS1982

Multilevel optimum design of structures with fiber-composite stiffened-panel components

The multilevel approach to minimum weight structural design is extended to wing box structures with fiber-composite stiffened-panel components. Strength, deflection, and panel buckling constraints are treated at the system level with equivalent-thickness-type design variables. Local buckling and panel buckling constraints are guarded against at the component level, employing detailed component dimensions as design variables. A key feature of the method is selection of change in stiffness as the component level objective function to be minimized. Numerical results are given for wing box structures with sandwich and hat-stiffened fiber-composite panels.

Schmit, L. A.↗

NASA NTRS2012

Complex Dynamic Flows in Solar Flare Sheet Structures

Observations of high-energy emission from solar flares often reveal the presence of large sheet-like structures, sometimes extending over a space comparable to the Sun's radius. Given that these structures are found between a departing coronal mass ejection and the post-eruption flare arcade, it is natural to associate the structure with a current sheet; though the relationship is unclear. Moreover, recent high-resolution observations have begun to reveal that the motions in this region are highly complex, including reconnection outflows, oscillations, and apparent wakes and eddies. We present a detailed first look at the complicated dynamics within this supra-arcade plasma, and consider implications for the interrelationship between the plasma and its embedded magnetic field.

McKenzie, David E.↗

NASA NTRS1983

A statistical VLBI study of milli-arcsecond cores in extragalactic radio sources

VLBI observations at 2.3 GHz with a baseline of approximately 8 x 10 to the 7th wavelengths were performed on a complete sample of 103 sources from the Parkes + or - 4 deg catalog. Compact milli-arcsec cores were found in 35 percent of all sources: in 80 percent of quasars, in 10 percent of galaxies, and in 20 percent of empty field sources. It is shown that for quasars the percentage of the source flux density coming from milli-arcsec cores increased with increasing radio spectral index, radio variability, and optical redness. It is noted that quasars with extended radio structure (not less than approximately 10 arcsec) seem more likely to have a detectable milli-arcsec core than do extended radio galaxies. The absence of a strong correlation between quasar milli-arcsec structure and redshift is found to be evidence for a lack of strong physical evolution in quasars.

Preston, R. A.↗

NASA NTRS1995

Faint Object Camera imaging and spectroscopy of NGC 4151

We describe ultraviolet and optical imaging and spectroscopy within the central few arcseconds of the Seyfert galaxy NGC 4151, obtained with the Faint Object Camera on the Hubble Space Telescope. A narrowband image including (O III) lambda(5007) shows a bright nucleus centered on a complex biconical structure having apparent opening angle approximately 65 deg and axis at a position angle along 65 deg-245 deg; images in bands including Lyman-alpha and C IV lambda(1550) and in the optical continuum near 5500 A, show only the bright nucleus. In an off-nuclear optical long-slit spectrum we find a high and a low radial velocity component within the narrow emission lines. We identify the low-velocity component with the bright, extended, knotty structure within the cones, and the high-velocity component with more confined diffuse emission. Also present are strong continuum emission and broad Balmer emission line components, which we attribute to the extended point spread function arising from the intense nuclear emission. Adopting the geometry pointed out by Pedlar et al. (1993) to explain the observed misalignment of the radio jets and the main optical structure we model an ionizing radiation bicone, originating within a galactic disk, with apex at the active nucleus and axis centered on the extended radio jets. We confirm that through density bounding the gross spatial structure of the emission line region can be reproduced with a wide opening angle that includes the line of sight, consistent with the presence of a simple opaque torus allowing direct view of the nucleus. In particular, our modelling reproduces the observed decrease in position angle with distance from the nucleus, progressing initially from the direction of the extended radio jet, through our optical structure, and on to the extended narrow-line region. We explore the kinematics of the narrow-line low- and high-velocity components on the basis of our spectroscopy and adopted model structure.

Boksenberg, A.↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Plasmaspheric Plume Turbulence: Signature of an Electrostatic Corotation Convection Shear-Layer Instability

As demonstrated by IMAGE-EUV observations, plasmaspheric drainage plumes are a common feature emanating from the plasmasphere during periods of enhanced convection. Concurrent IMAGE-EUV and LANL-MPA observations reveal that plasmaspheric plumes are not a uniform density structure that extends out to geosynchronous orbit and beyond. Instead, in–situ observations reveal a large spatial-scale structure populated by small-scale density structures suggestive of the presence of a turbulent process. Here, we investigate the occurrence and nature of plasmaspheric drainage plumes as observed by concurrent EUV-MPA observations, as well as explore the possibility that the in–situ observed small-scale density structures are the signature of an instability produced by the sheared velocity found within the plasmaspheric layers separating the corotation of the main plasmasphere from the convection-driven flow generating the plume. Particle-in-cell simulations indicate that the generation of shear-flow driven instabilities is possible under plasmaspheric plasma conditions. The initial results of these simulations indicate that the plasmaspheric instabilities generated are electrostatic in nature, consist with in–situ plume observations.

Mark L Adrian↗

NASA NTRS2000

Application of the Spectral Element Method to Acoustic Radiation

This report summarizes research to develop a capability for analysis of interior noise in enclosed structures when acoustically excited by an external random source. Of particular interest was the application to the study of noise and vibration transmission in thin-walled structures as typified by aircraft fuselages. Three related topics are focused upon. The first concerns the development of a curved frame spectral element, the second shows how the spectral element method for wave propagation in folded plate structures is extended to problems involving curved segmented plates. These are of significance because by combining these curved spectral elements with previously presented flat spectral elements, the dynamic response of geometrically complex structures can be determined. The third topic shows how spectral elements, which incorporate the effect of fluid loading on the structure, are developed for analyzing acoustic radiation from dynamically loaded extended plates.

Doyle, James F.↗