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At least 1,333 records · Page 74

Stability of sequences generated by nonlinear differential systems

A local stability analysis is presented for both the analytic and numerical solutions of the initial value problem for a system of ordinary differential equations. It is shown that, using a proper choice of Liapunov function, a connected region of stable initial values of both the analytic solution and the one-leg k-step numerical solution can be approximated. Attention is given to the example of the two-dimensional problem involving the stability of the longitudinal equations of motion of a gliding jet aircraft.

Brown, R. L.↗

DYCAST: A finite element program for the crash analysis of structures

DYCAST is a nonlinear structural dynamic finite element computer code developed for crash simulation. The element library contains stringers, beams, membrane skin triangles, plate bending triangles and spring elements. Changing stiffnesses in the structure are accounted for by plasticity and very large deflections. Material nonlinearities are accommodated by one of three options: elastic-perfectly plastic, elastic-linear hardening plastic, or elastic-nonlinear hardening plastic of the Ramberg-Osgood type. Geometric nonlinearities are handled in an updated Lagrangian formulation by reforming the structure into its deformed shape after small time increments while accumulating deformations, strains, and forces. The nonlinearities due to combined loadings are maintained, and stiffness variation due to structural failures are computed. Numerical time integrators available are fixed-step central difference, modified Adams, Newmark-beta, and Wilson-theta. The last three have a variable time step capability, which is controlled internally by a solution convergence error measure. Other features include: multiple time-load history tables to subject the structure to time dependent loading; gravity loading; initial pitch, roll, yaw, and translation of the structural model with respect to the global system; a bandwidth optimizer as a pre-processor; and deformed plots and graphics as post-processors.

Pifko, A. B.↗

Multidisciplinary design optimization using multiobjective formulation techniques

This report addresses the development of a multidisciplinary optimization procedure using an efficient semi-analytical sensitivity analysis technique and multilevel decomposition for the design of aerospace vehicles. A semi-analytical sensitivity analysis procedure is developed for calculating computational grid sensitivities and aerodynamic design sensitivities. Accuracy and efficiency of the sensitivity analysis procedure is established through comparison of the results with those obtained using a finite difference technique. The developed sensitivity analysis technique are then used within a multidisciplinary optimization procedure for designing aerospace vehicles. The optimization problem, with the integration of aerodynamics and structures, is decomposed into two levels. Optimization is performed for improved aerodynamic performance at the first level and improved structural performance at the second level. Aerodynamic analysis is performed by solving the three-dimensional parabolized Navier Stokes equations. A nonlinear programming technique and an approximate analysis procedure are used for optimization. The proceduredeveloped is applied to design the wing of a high speed aircraft. Results obtained show significant improvements in the aircraft aerodynamic and structural performance when compared to a reference or baseline configuration. The use of the semi-analytical sensitivity technique provides significant computational savings.

Chattopadhyay, Aditi↗

Software Tools for Analysis of Bonded Joints

Linear and nonlinear springs have been used to model adhesives in bonded joints. This presentation describes two programs which obtain stresses and strains in bonded joints. For a given bonded joint model, these programs read the corresponding NASTRAN input and output files, use the spring forces or deformations to obtain the adhesive stresses or strain fields, sort the stresses and strains in descending order, and generate Mathematica plot files for three dimensional visualization of the stress and strain fields.

Tahmasebi, Farhad↗

Four photon parametric amplification

An analysis is presented describing four-photon parametric amplification in an unbiased Josephson junction. Central to the theory is the model of the Josephson effect as a nonlinear inductance. Linear, small signal analysis is applied to the two-fluid model of the Josephson junction. The gain, gain-bandwidth product, high frequency limit, and effective noise temperature are calculated for a cavity reflection amplifier. The analysis is extended to multiple (series-connected) junctions and subharmonic pumping.

Parrish, P. T.↗

Bifurcation structure and the Eckhaus instability

The bifurcation diagram corresponding to the Eckhaus stability curve has been constructed for the one-dimensional Swift-Hohenberg equation in a finite domain. Finite-amplitude solutions with particular spatial wavelength recover linear stability, as predicted by the Eckhaus curve, after a sequence of secondary bifurcations from the branch of solutions with this wavelength. No connectivity between the primary-solution branches is admissible if the stability predicted by this bifurcation diagram is to correspond to the prediction of the Eckhaus analysis. The Eckhaus curve does not exist if nonlinear couplings destroy this pattern. This is demonstrated by analysis of a coupled pair of Swift-Hohenberg equations.

Tsiveriotis, K.↗

Empirical testing of structural deflection modeling of large photovoltaic modules

The objective of the structural deflection test was to verify the analytical models used to predict solar cell stress, load-bearing layer stress, and module deflection that result from a uniform pressure load on the module surface. The verification process consisted of measuring module deflection, stress in the solar cell, and stress in the load-bearing member as a functon of normal pressure load, pottant modulus of elasticity, pottant thickness, and cell location. Four glass superstrate modules, two plain wood substrate modules, two ribbed wood substrate modules, and a steel substrate module were tested. Consistent with analysis predictions, all unribbed specimens exhibited nonlinear load vs. deflection characteristics. With the exception of the steel module, test results and analysis predictions for panel deflectons agreed to within 10 percent. A wider variation of agreement was found for stress in the load-bearing members and cells.

Duncan, L. B.↗

Identification and characterization of structural nonlinearities in the Space Shuttle Main Engine

Structural nonlinearities should be considered in the analysis and modeling of mechanical systems for accuracy in predicting dynamic behavior. Moreover, checks for nonlinearity should address the type and class of nonlinearity in the structure and identify the probable cause. A series of experimental modal survey tests were carried out to determine and characterize the structural nonlinearities of the Space Shuttle Main Engine main injector. Different excitation regimes at various amplitudes were utilized to induce vibration and strain, and acceleration measurements were taken at judiciously selected locations. The test results indicated that both stiffness and damping nonlinearities were present.

Panossian, H. V.↗

Linear and nonlinear optical responses in the chiral multifold semimetal RhSi

Chiral topological semimetals are materials that break both inversion and mirror symmetries. They host interesting phenomena such as the quantized circular photogalvanic effect (CPGE) and the chiral magnetic effect. In this work, we report a comprehensive theoretical and experimental analysis of the linear and nonlinear optical responses of the chiral topological semimetal RhSi, which is known to host multifold fermions. We show that the characteristic features of the optical conductivity, which display two distinct quasi-linear regimes above and below 0.4 eV, can be linked to excitations of different kinds of multifold fermions. The characteristic features of the CPGE, which displays a sign change at 0.4 eV and a large non-quantized response peak of around 160 μA/V 2 at 0.7 eV, are explained by assuming that the chemical potential crosses a flat hole band at the Brillouin zone center. Our theory predicts that, in order to observe a quantized CPGE in RhSi, it is necessary to increase the chemical potential as well as the quasiparticle lifetime. More broadly, our methodology, especially the development of the broadband terahertz emission spectroscopy, could be widely applied to study photogalvanic effects in noncentrosymmetric materials and in topological insulators in a contact-less way and accelerate the technological development of efficient infrared detectors based on topological semimetals.

Materials Science↗

Perturbation solutions of combustion instability problems

A method involving approximate modal analysis using the Galerkin method followed by an approximate solution of the resulting modal-amplitude equations by the two-variable perturbation method (method of multiple scales) is applied to two problems of pressure-sensitive nonlinear combustion instability in liquid-fuel rocket motors. One problem exhibits self-coupled instability while the other exhibits mode-coupled instability. In both cases it is possible to carry out the entire linear stability analysis and significant portions of the nonlinear stability analysis in closed form. In the problem of self-coupled instability the nonlinear stability boundary and approximate forms of the limit-cycle amplitudes and growth and decay rates are determined in closed form while the exact limit-cycle amplitudes and growth and decay rates are found numerically. In the problem of mode-coupled instability the limit-cycle amplitudes are found in closed form while the growth and decay rates are found numerically. The behavior of the solutions found by the perturbation method are in agreement with solutions obtained using complex numerical methods.

Googerdy, A.↗

Analysis and Development of Finite Element Methods for the Study of Nonlinear Thermomechanical Behavior of Structural Components

Underintegrated methods are investigated with respect to their stability and convergence properties. The focus was on identifying regions where they work and regions where techniques such as hourglass viscosity and hourglass control can be used. Results obtained show that underintegrated methods typically lead to finite element stiffness with spurious modes in the solution. However, problems exist (scalar elliptic boundary value problems) where underintegrated with hourglass control yield convergent solutions. Also, stress averaging in underintegrated stiffness calculations does not necessarily lead to stable or convergent stress states.

Oden, J. Tinsley↗

Parameter Estimation of Actuators for Benchmark Active Control Technology (BACT) Wind Tunnel Model with Analysis of Wear and Aerodynamic Loading Effects

This report describes the development of transfer function models for the trailing-edge and upper and lower spoiler actuators of the Benchmark Active Control Technology (BACT) wind tunnel model for application to control system analysis and design. A simple nonlinear least-squares parameter estimation approach is applied to determine transfer function parameters from frequency response data. Unconstrained quasi-Newton minimization of weighted frequency response error was employed to estimate the transfer function parameters. An analysis of the behavior of the actuators over time to assess the effects of wear and aerodynamic load by using the transfer function models is also presented. The frequency responses indicate consistent actuator behavior throughout the wind tunnel test and only slight degradation in effectiveness due to aerodynamic hinge loading. The resulting actuator models have been used in design, analysis, and simulation of controllers for the BACT to successfully suppress flutter over a wide range of conditions.

Waszak, Martin R.↗

Observability Analysis of a Power System Stochastic Dynamic Model Using a Derivative-Free Approach

Serving as a prerequisite to power system dynamic state estimation, the observability analysis of a power system dynamic model has recently attracted the attention of many power engineers. However, because this model is typically nonlinear and large-scale, the analysis of its observability is a challenge to the traditional derivative-based methods. Indeed, the linear-approximation-based approach may provide unreliable results while the nonlinear-technique-based approach inevitably faces extremely complicated derivations. Furthermore, because power systems are intrinsically stochastic, the traditional deterministic approaches may lead to inaccurate observability analyses. In this work, facing these challenges, we propose a novel polynomial-chaos-based derivative-free observability analysis approach that not only is free of any linear approximations, but also accounts for the stochasticity of the dynamic model while bringing a low implementation complexity. Furthermore, this approach enables us to quantify the degree of observability of a stochastic model, what conventional deterministic methods cannot do. The excellent performance of the proposed method has been demonstrated by performing extensive simulations using a synchronous generator model with IEEE-DC1A exciter and the TGOV1 turbine governor.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

Rapid solution of large-scale systems of equations

The analysis and design of complex aerospace structures requires the rapid solution of large systems of linear and nonlinear equations, eigenvalue extraction for buckling, vibration and flutter modes, structural optimization and design sensitivity calculation. Computers with multiple processors and vector capabilities can offer substantial computational advantages over traditional scalar computer for these analyses. These computers fall into two categories: shared memory computers and distributed memory computers. This presentation covers general-purpose, highly efficient algorithms for generation/assembly or element matrices, solution of systems of linear and nonlinear equations, eigenvalue and design sensitivity analysis and optimization. All algorithms are coded in FORTRAN for shared memory computers and many are adapted to distributed memory computers. The capability and numerical performance of these algorithms will be addressed.

Storaasli, Olaf O.↗