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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 1,279 records · Page 71
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1991

Overview of the fatigue/fracture/life prediction working group program at the Lewis Research Center

The objective is to develop and verify constitutive and life prediction models for materials typically used in hot gas path components of reusable space propulsion systems over the range of relevant operative environments. The efforts were concentrated on the development of crack initiation life prediction methods and on the development of cyclic crack propagation and fracture life prediction methods.

Mcgaw, Michael A.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Latest COBE results, large-scale data, and predictions of inflation

One of the predictions of the inflationary scenario of cosmology is that the initial spectrum of primordial density fluctuations (PDFs) must have the Harrison-Zeldovich (HZ) form. Here, in order to test the inflationary scenario, predictions of the microwave background radiation (MBR) anisotropies measured by COBE are computed based on large-scale data for the universe and assuming Omega-1 and the HZ spectrum on large scales. It is found that the minimal scale where the spectrum can first enter the HZ regime is found, constraining the power spectrum of the mass distribution to within the bias factor b. This factor is determined and used to predict parameters of the MBR anisotropy field. For the spectrum of PDFs that reaches the HZ regime immediately after the scale accessible to the APM catalog, the numbers on MBR anisotropies are consistent with the COBE detections and thus the standard inflation can indeed be considered a viable theory for the origin of the large-scale structure in the universe.

Kashlinsky, A.↗
NASA NTRS1992

The prediction of nonlinear dynamic loads on helicopters from flight variables using artificial neural networks

A method of indirectly monitoring component loads through common flight variables is proposed which requires an accurate model of the underlying nonlinear relationships. An artificial neural network (ANN) model learns relationships through exposure to a database of flight variable records and corresponding load histories from an instrumented military helicopter undergoing standard maneuvers. The ANN model, utilizing eight standard flight variables as inputs, is trained to predict normalized time-varying mean and oscillatory loads on two critical components over a range of seven maneuvers. Both interpolative and extrapolative capabilities are demonstrated with agreement between predicted and measured loads on the order of 90 percent to 95 percent. This work justifies pursuing the ANN method of predicting loads from flight variables.

Cook, A. B.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Prediction of rocket plume radiative heating using backward Monte-Carlo method

A backward Monte-Carlo plume radiation code has been developed to predict rocket plume radiative heating to the rocket base region. This paper provides a description of this code and provides sample results. The code was used to predict radiative heating to various locations during test firings of 48-inch solid rocket motors at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center. Comparisons with test measurements are provided. Predictions of full scale sea level Redesigned Solid Rocket Motor (RSRM) and Advanced Solid Rocket Motor (ASRM) plume radiative heating to the Space Shuttle external tank (ET) dome center were also made. A comparison with the Development Flight Instrumentation (DFI) measurements is also provided.

Wang, K. C.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Prediction of active control of subsonic centrifugal compressor rotating stall

A mathematical model is developed to predict the suppression of rotating stall in a centrifugal compressor with a vaned diffuser. This model is based on the employment of a control vortical waveform generated upstream of the impeller inlet to damp weak potential disturbances that are the early stages of rotating stall. The control system is analyzed by matching the perturbation pressure in the compressor inlet and exit flow fields with a model for the unsteady behavior of the compressor. The model was effective at predicting the stalling behavior of the Purdue Low Speed Centrifugal Compressor for two distinctly different stall patterns. Predictions made for the effect of a controlled inlet vorticity wave on the stability of the compressor show that for minimum control wave magnitudes, on the order of the total inlet disturbance magnitude, significant damping of the instability can be achieved. For control waves of sufficient amplitude, the control phase angle appears to be the most important factor in maintaining a stable condition in the compressor.

Lawless, Patrick B.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Engineering approach to the prediction of shock patterns in bounded high-speed flows

A two-dimensional symmetric wedge configuration representative of a single high-speed intake in steady flow was investigated. The analysis presented here is intended as an engineering approach for estimating certain features of the internal shock system. The primary interest here is the prediction of the size and location of the almost-normal shock wave that develops when the leading-edge shocks intersect at angles above a certain critical value that is less than the wedge detachment angle. The almost-normal shock wave is frequently referred to as the 'Mach stem', Parametric studies enabled the sensitivity of the Mach stem height to various flowfield parameters to be examined, thus indicating how accurately these parameters must be measured in a given experiment. Results of these predictions were compared with those of a steady-flow experiment performed at nominal freestream Mach numbers from 2.8 to 5. The predicted stem heights were consistently lower than the mean experimental values, attributable both to experimental uncertainties and to certain simplifying assumptions used in the analysis. Modification of these assumptions to better represent the test environment improved the analytical results.

Azevedo, D. J.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Prediction of the heliospheric current sheet tilt - 1992-1996

Heliospheric current sheet tilt evolves systematically over the solar cycle. Here we show that this evolution is different than the sunspot cycle and that tilt for the period 1992-1996 can be predicted using persistence. That is, the tilt over the coming cycle will be the same as for the past cycle. The Ulysses spacecraft has passed Jupiter and is moving out of the plane of the ecliptic, so we use the prediction of the changing heliospheric current sheet tilt to predict that Ulysses will pass beyond the envelope, or maximum latitude, of the heliospheric current sheet in November 1993.

Suess, S. T.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Evolution of creep-fatigue life prediction models

The evolution of high-temperature, creep-fatigue, life-prediction methods used for cyclic crack initiation is traced from inception in the late 1940s. The methods reviewed are material models as opposed to structural life prediction models. Material life models are used by both structural durability analysts and by material scientists. The latter use micromechanistic models as guidance to improve a material's crack initiation resistance. Nearly one hundred approaches and their variations have been proposed to date. This proliferation poses a problem in deciding which method is most appropriate for a given application. Approaches have been identified as being combinations of fourteen different classifications. This review is intended to aid both developers and users of high-temperature fatigue life prediction methods by providing a background from which choices can be made.

Halford, Gary R.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Fatigue life prediction of an intermetallic matrix composite at elevated temperatures

A strain-based fatigue life prediction method is proposed for an intermetallic matrix composite (IMC) under tensile cyclic loadings at elevated temperatures. Styled after the 'Universal Slopes' method, the model utilizes the composite's tensile properties to estimate fatigue life. Factors such as fiber volume ratio (Vf), number of plys and temperature dependence are implicitly incorporated into the model through these properties. The model constants are determined by using unidirectional fatigue data at temperatures of 425 and 815 C. Fatigue lives from two independent sources are used to verify the model at temperatures of 650 and 760 C. Cross-ply lives at 760 C are also predicted. It is demonstrated that the correlation between experimental and predicted lives is within a factor of two.

Bartolotta, P. A.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Hybrid experimental/analytical models of structural dynamics - Creation and use for predictions

An original complete methodology for the construction of predictive models of damped structural vibrations is introduced. A consistent definition of normal and complex modes is given which leads to an original method to accurately identify non-proportionally damped normal mode models. A new method to create predictive hybrid experimental/analytical models of damped structures is introduced, and the ability of hybrid models to predict the response to system configuration changes is discussed. Finally a critical review of the overall methodology is made by application to the case of the MIT/SERC interferometer testbed.

Balmes, Etienne↗
NASA NTRS1993

Evaluation of two-equation turbulence models for predicting transitional flows

An evaluation of the capabilities and limitations of four low-Reynolds number two-equation turbulence models for predicting bypass transition on a flat plate has been conducted. The ability of these models to reproduce the effect of the free-stream turbulence on transition was tested. The strengths and deficiencies of these models have been identified systematically. It is found that the k-epsilon models are capable of predicting the qualitative aspects of transition. However, the predictions are found to be sensitive to the initial conditions. Also, the start and end of transition were found to depend on the damping functions used in the low-Reynolds number versions of the k-epsilon models.

Abid, Ridha↗
NASA NTRS1992

An overview of mesoscale prediction

A development history is presented for techniques used in mesoscale weather prediction over the course of the last 40 years, in which they have undergone a major transition from low-tech to high-tech. Remote sensing satellites and weather radars are now extremely refined tools for mesoscale atmospheric studies. Attention is given to mesocyclones and tornadoes, the statistical prediction of tornadoes, and the status of mesoscale prediction for aviation and space vehicles.

Fujita, T. T.↗
NASA NTRS1993

PNS predictions of axisymmetric hypersonic blunt-body and afterbody flowfields

A new space-marching full-body PNS algorithm capable of treating the complete blunt-body and afterbody flowfields over typical wide-bodied configurations is developed and demonstrated. A hybrid differencing scheme involving Flux-Vector Splitting (FVS) across embedded shocks and flowfield discontinuities, and central differencing in smooth (shock-free) regions is used. It is demonstrated that this new full-body PNS scheme can be marched from the spherical stagnation point over the entire body using bow-shock capturing, and provides an efficient and effective way for predicting blunt-body flowfields for various reentry application. The Mach 20 flow over a 30-deg sphere cone is predicted and comparisons are made with an existing VSL scheme for the blunt-body region and an existing PNS scheme for the conical afterbody region. The predicted flowfield and surface-measurable quantities are in excellent agreement, and demonstrate the accuracy and efficiency of the new full-body PNS scheme.

Bhutta, Bilal A.↗
NASA NTRS1993

A predictability study of Lorenz's 28-variable model as a dynamical system

The dynamics of error growth in a two-layer nonlinear quasi-geostrophic model has been studied to gain an understanding of the mathematical theory of atmospheric predictability. The growth of random errors of varying initial magnitudes has been studied, and the relation between this classical approach and the concepts of the nonlinear dynamical systems theory has been explored. The local and global growths of random errors have been expressed partly in terms of the properties of an error ellipsoid and the Liapunov exponents determined by linear error dynamics. The local growth of small errors is initially governed by several modes of the evolving error ellipsoid but soon becomes dominated by the longest axis. The average global growth of small errors is exponential with a growth rate consistent with the largest Liapunov exponent. The duration of the exponential growth phase depends on the initial magnitude of the errors. The subsequent large errors undergo a nonlinear growth with a steadily decreasing growth rate and attain saturation that defines the limit of predictability. The degree of chaos and the largest Liapunov exponent show considerable variation with change in the forcing, which implies that the time variation in the external forcing can introduce variable character to the predictability.

Krishnamurthy, V.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Progress towards understanding and predicting heat transfer in the turbine gas path

A new era is dawning in the ability to predict convection heat transfer in the turbine gas path. We feel that the technical community now has the capability to mount a major assault on this problem, which has eluded significant progress for a long time. In this paper we hope to make a case for this bold statement by reviewing the state of the art in three major and related areas, which we believe are indispensable to the understanding and accurate prediction of turbine gas path heat transfer: configuration-specific experiments, fundamental physics and model development, and code development. We begin our review with the configuration-specific experiments, whose data have provided the big picture and guided both the fundamental modeling research and the code development. Following that, we examine key modeling efforts and comment on what will be needed to incorporate them into the codes. In this region we concentrate on bypass transition, 3D endwalls, and film cooling. We then review progress and directions in the development of computer codes to predict turbine gas path heat transfer. Finally, we cite examples and make observations on the more recent efforts to do all this work in a simultaneous, interactive, and more synergistic manner. We conclude with an assessment of progress, suggestions for how to use the current state of the art, and recommendations for the future.

Simoneau, Robert J.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Methods for evaluating the predictive accuracy of structural dynamic models

Modeling uncertainty is defined in terms of the difference between predicted and measured eigenvalues and eigenvectors. Data compiled from 22 sets of analysis/test results was used to create statistical databases for large truss-type space structures and both pretest and posttest models of conventional satellite-type space structures. Modeling uncertainty is propagated through the model to produce intervals of uncertainty on frequency response functions, both amplitude and phase. This methodology was used successfully to evaluate the predictive accuracy of several structures, including the NASA CSI Evolutionary Structure tested at Langley Research Center. Test measurements for this structure were within + one-sigma intervals of predicted accuracy for the most part, demonstrating the validity of the methodology and computer code.

Hasselman, Timothy K.↗
NASA NTRS1991

BALLIST: A computer program to empirically predict the bumper thickness required to prevent perforation of the Space Station by orbital debris

A computer program called BALLIST that is intended to be a design tool for engineers is described. BALLlST empirically predicts the bumper thickness required to prevent perforation of the Space Station pressure wall by a projectile (such as orbital debris) as a function of the projectile's velocity. 'Ballistic' limit curves (bumper thickness vs. projectile velocity) are calculated and are displayed on the screen as well as being stored in an ASCII file. A Whipple style of spacecraft wall configuration is assumed. The predictions are based on a database of impact test results. NASA/Marshall Space Flight Center currently has the capability to generate such test results. Numerical simulation results of impact conditions that can not be tested (high velocities or large particles) can also be used for predictions.

Rule, William Keith↗
NASA NTRS1993

A Performance Prediction Model for a Fault-Tolerant Computer During Recovery and Restoration

The modeling and design of a fault-tolerant multiprocessor system is addressed. In particular, the behavior of the system during recovery and restoration after a fault has occurred is investigated. Given that a multicomputer system is designed using the Algorithm to Architecture to Mapping Model (ATAMM), and that a fault (death of a computing resource) occurs during its normal steady-state operation, a model is presented as a viable research tool for predicting the performance bounds of the system during its recovery and restoration phases. Furthermore, the bounds of the performance behavior of the system during this transient mode can be assessed. These bounds include: time to recover from the fault (t(sub rec)), time to restore the system (t(sub rec)) and whether there is a permanent delay in the system's Time Between Input and Output (TBIO) after the system has reached a steady state. An implementation of an ATAMM based computer was developed with the Generic VHSIC Spaceborne Computer (GVSC) as the target system. A simulation of the GVSC was also written based on the code used in ATAMM Multicomputer Operating System (AMOS). The simulation is in turn used to validate the new model in the usefulness and accuracy in tracking the propagation of the delay through the system and predicting the behavior in the transient state of recovery and restoration. The model is validated as an accurate method to predict the transient behavior of an ATAMM based multicomputer during recovery and restoration.

Stoughton, John W.↗