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At least 1,459 records · Page 81

Electromagnetic radiation from beam-plasma instabilities

The mechanism by which unstable electrostatic waves of an electron-beam plasma system are converted into observed electromagnetic waves is of great current interest in space plasma physics. Electromagnetic radiation arises from both natural beam-plasma systems, e.g., type III solar bursts and kilometric radiation, and from man-made electron beams injected from rockets and spacecraft. In the present investigation the diagnostic difficulties encountered in space plasmas are overcome by using a large laboratory plasma. A finite diameter (d approximately equal to 0.8 cm) electron beam is injected into a uniform quiescent magnetized afterglow plasma of dimensions large compared with electromagnetic wavelength. Electrostatic waves grow, saturate and decay within the uniform central region of the plasma volume so that linear mode conversion on density gradients can be excluded as a possible generation mechanism for electromagnetic waves.

Stenzel, R. L.↗

Independent Constituents in Observatory Time Series in Characterizing the Secular Variation

By an ansatz of a finite set of N superimposed oscillations, observatory time series are fitted. This start model is optimized for the independence of the used 2N-dimensional functional system as a criterion. Here, the contributions of each of the dimensions to the volume of the corresponding 2N-dimensional parallelpiped of the functional space is to be evaluated. Independence and an equal standard for the constituents are achieved by the optimizing procedure varying the start values of frequencies in the fitting ansatz when quotients of successively constructed Gram-determinants are beyond a definite threshold and of nearly the same numerical value. Results for globally distributed observatories characterize the secular variation.

Webers, W.↗

Development of Acoustic Mufflers for Cabin Noise Reduction in Orion Spacecraft

Controlling cabin acoustic noise levels in the Crew Module (CM) of the Orion spacecraft is critical to ensure adequate speech intelligibility, to avoid fatigue, and prevent any possibility of temporary and permanent hearing loss to the crew. The primary source of cabin noise for the on-orbit phase of the mission is from the Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) which recycles and conditions breathing air and maintains cabin pressurization through its duct network and components. Unfortunately, as a side effect, noise from the ECLSS fans propagates through theses ducts and emanate into the cabin habitable volume via the ECLSS inlet and outlets. To mitigate excessive duct-borne noise, two ECLSS mufflers have been designed to provide significant acoustic transmission loss (TL) so that the cabin noise requirements can be met. Each muffler is meant to be installed in the ducting of the ECLSS air inlet and outlet sides, respectively. Packaging constraints and tight volume requirements necessitated the mufflers to be of complex geometry and compatible with the bends of the ECLSS duct layout. To design and characterize the acoustic performance of the inlet and outlet mufflers, computational acoustic models were developed using the Finite Element Method (FEM) with 𝑤𝑎𝑣𝑒଺ vibroacoustic software. Characterization of the acoustic material and perforations in the mufflers were addressed with poroelastic theory. Once the mufflers were designed on paper and its TL predicted, prototypes of these mufflers were created using additive manufacturing. The muffler prototypes were subsequently tested for acoustic TL in the laboratory with various con-figurations of acoustic materials. Comparing the analytical predictions to the test performance yielded excellent correlation for acoustic TL and demonstrated significant broadband noise attenuation. The ECLSS mufflers are currently scheduled to be installed on the Artemis II Crew Module (CM) of the Orion spacecraft and will provide significant cabin comfort to crew during the mission.

Indranil Dandaroy↗

A Numerical Method for Computing the State Transition Matrix Using Poincare Integral Invariants

The Poincare integral invariants describe the volumes of sets in Hamiltonian phase space. We use these invariants to derive a new numerical procedure for obtaining the state transition matrix (STM), which can be applied to both conservative and nonconservative systems. The method is analogous to a finite difference approximation of the STM, where perturbed states are numerically propagated along with the reference trajectory. We discuss the mathematical similarities between this new STM and existing methods, show numerical results for orbital motion and uncertainty propagation, and discuss new insights afforded by the Hamiltonian properties of phase flow.

state transition matrix↗

The NATA code: Theory and analysis, volume 1

A computer program for calculating quasi-one-dimensional gas flow in axisymmetric and two-dimensional nozzles and rectangular channels is presented. Flow is assumed to start from a state of thermochemical equilibrium at a high temperature in an upstream reservoir. The program provides solutions based on frozen chemistry, chemical equilibrium, and nonequilibrium flow with finite reaction rates. Electronic nonequilibrium effects can be included using a two-temperature model. An approximate laminar boundary layer calculation is given for the shear and heat flux on the nozzle wall. Boundary layer displacement effects on the inviscid flow are considered also. Chemical equilibrium and transport property calculations are provided by subroutines. The code contains precoded thermochemical, chemical kinetic, and transport cross section data for high-temperature air, CO2-N2-Ar mixtures, helium, and argon. It provides calculations of the stagnation conditions on axisymmetric or two-dimensional models, and of the conditions on the flat surface of a blunt wedge. The primary purpose of the code is to describe the flow conditions and test conditions in electric arc heated wind tunnels.

Bade, W. L.↗

Thermal Pollution Mathematical Model. Volume 3: User's Manual for One-Dimensional Numerical Model for the Seasonal Thermocline

A user's manual for a one dimensional thermal model to predict the temperature profiles of a deep body of water for any number of annual cycles is presented. The model is essentially a set of partial differential equations which are solved by finite difference methods using a high speed digital computer. The model features the effects of area change with depth, nonlinear interaction of wind generated turbulence and buoyancy, adsorption of radiative heat flux below the surface, thermal discharges, and the effects of vertical convection caused by discharge. The main assumption in the formulation is horizontal homogeneity. The environmental impact of thermal discharges from power plants is emphasized. Although the model is applicable to most lakes, a specific site (Lake Keowee, S.C.) application is described in detail. The programs are written in FORTRAN 5.

Lee, S. S.↗

MANTLE: A finite element program for the thermal-mechanical analysis of mantle convection. A user's manual with examples

A finite element computer code for the analysis of mantle convection is described. The coupled equations for creeping viscous flow and heat transfer can be solved for either a transient analysis or steady-state analysis. For transient analyses, either a control volume or a control mass approach can be used. Non-Newtonian fluids with viscosities which have thermal and spacial dependencies can be easily incorporated. All material parameters may be written as function statements by the user or simply specified as constants. A wide range of boundary conditions, both for the thermal analysis and the viscous flow analysis can be specified. For steady-state analyses, elastic strain rates can be included. Although this manual was specifically written for users interested in mantle convection, the code is equally well suited for analysis in a number of other areas including metal forming, glacial flows, and creep of rock and soil.

Thompson, E.↗

Effect of fiber anisotropy on thermal stresses in fibrous composites

An elasticity solution is utilized to analyze an orthotropic fiber in an isotropic matrix under uniform thermal load. The analysis reveals that stress distributions in the fiber are singular in the radial coordinate when the radial fiber stiffness (C-rr) is greater than the hoop stiffness (C-theta-theta). Conversely, if C-rr is less than C-theta-theta the maximum stress in the composite is finite and occurs at the fiber-matrix interface. In both cases the stress distributions are radically different than those predicted assuming the fiber to be transversely isotropic (C-rr = C-theta-theta). It is also shown that fiber volume fraction greatly influences the stress distribution for transversely isotropic fibers, but has little effect on the distribution if the fibers are transversely orthotropic.

Avery, W. B.↗

Integration of dynamic, aerodynamic and structural optimization of helicopter rotor blades

The purpose of the research is to study the integration of structural, dynamic, and aerodynamic considerations in the design-optimization process for helicopter rotorblades. This is to be done in three phases. Task 1 is to bring on-line computer codes that could perform the finite-element frequency analyses of rotor blades. The major features of this program are summarized. The second task was to bring on-line an optimization code for the work. Several were tried and it was decided to use CONMIN. Explicit volume constraints on the thicknesses and lumped masses used in the optimization were added. The specific aeroelastic constraint that the center of mass must be forward of the quarter chord in order to prevent flutter was applied. The bending-torsion coupling due to cg-ea offset within the blade cross section was included. Also included were some very simple stress constraints. The first three constraints are completed, and the fourth constraint is being completed.

Peters, David A.↗

Thermal Analysis of a Carbon Fiber Rope Barrier for Use in the Reusable Solid Rocket Motor Nozzle Joint-2

This study provides for development and verification of analysis methods used to assess performance of a carbon fiber rope (CFR) thermal barrier system that is currently being qualified for use in Reusable Solid Rocket Motor (RSRM) nozzle joint-2. Modeled geometry for flow calculations considers the joint to be vented with the porous CFR barriers placed in the "open' assembly gap. Model development is based on a 1-D volume filling approach where flow resistances (assembly gap and CFRs) are defined by serially connected internal flow and the porous media "Darcy" relationships. Combustion gas flow rates are computed using the volume filling code by assuming a lumped distribution total joint fill volume on a per linear circumferential inch basis. Gas compressibility, friction and heat transfer are included in the modeling. Gas-to-wall heat transfer is simulated by concurrent solution of the compressible flow equations and a large thermal 2-D finite element (FE) conduction grid. The derived numerical technique loosely couples the FE conduction matrix with the compressible gas flow equations, Free constants that appear in the governing equations are calibrated by parametric model comparison to hot fire subscale test results. The calibrated model is then used to make full-scale motor predictions using RSRM aft dome environments. Model results indicate that CFR thermal barrier systems will provide a thermally benign and controlled pressurization environment for the RSRM nozzle joint-2 primary seal activation.

Clayton, J. Louie↗

Thermal Analysis of a Carbon Fiber Rope Barrier for Use in the Reusable Solid Rocket Motor Nozzle Joint-2

This study provides development and verification of analysis methods used to assess performance of a carbon fiber rope (CFR) thermal barrier system that is currently being qualified for use in Reusable Solid Rocket Motor (RSRM) nozzle joint-2. Modeled geometry for flow calculations considers the joint to be vented with the porous CFR barriers placed in the 'open' assembly gap. Model development is based on a 1-D volume filling approach where flow resistances (assembly gap and CFRs) are defined by serially connected internal flow and the porous media 'Darcy' relationships. Combustion gas flow rates are computed using the volume filling code by assuming a lumped distribution total joint fill volume on a per linear circumferential inch basis. Gas compressibility, friction and heat transfer are included in the modeling. Gas-to-wall heat transfer is simulated by concurrent solution of the compressible flow equations and a large thermal 2-D finite element (FE) conduction grid. The derived numerical technique loosely couples the FE conduction matrix with the compressible gas flow equations. Free constants that appear in the governing equations are calibrated by parametric model comparison to hot fire subscale test results. The calibrated model is then used to make full-scale motor predictions using RSRM aft dome environments. Model results indicate that CFR thermal barrier systems will provide a thermally benign and controlled pressurization environment for the RSRM nozzle joint-2 primary seal activation.

Clayton, J. Louie↗

Multiscale Progressive Failure Analysis of 3D Woven Composites

Application of three-dimensional (3D) woven composites is growing as an alternative to the use of ply-based composite materials. However, the design, analysis, modeling, and optimization of these materials is more challenging due to their complex and inherently multiscale geometries. Herein, a multiscale modeling procedure, based on efficient, semi-analytical micromechanical theories rather than the traditional finite element approach, is presented and applied to a 3D woven carbon–epoxy composite. A crack-band progressive damage model was employed for the matrix constituent to capture the globally observed nonlinear response. Realistic microstructural dimensions and tow-fiber volume fractions were determined from detailed X-ray computed tomography (CT) and scanning electron microscopy data. Pre-existing binder-tow disbonds and weft-tow waviness, observed in X-ray CT scans of the composite, were also included in the model. The results were compared with experimental data for the in-plane tensile and shear behavior of the composite. The tensile predictions exhibited good correlations with the test data. While the model was able to capture the less brittle nature of the in-plane shear response, quantitative measures were underpredicted to some degree.

3D woven composites↗

Steady, oscillatory, and unsteady subsonic Aerodynamics, production version 1.1 (SOUSSA-P1.1). Volume 2: User/programmer manual

A user/programmer manual for the computer program SOUSSA P 1.1 is presented. The program was designed to provide accurate and efficient evaluation of steady and unsteady loads on aircraft having arbitrary shapes and motions, including structural deformations. These design goals were in part achieved through the incorporation of the data handling capabilities of the SPAR finite element Structural Analysis computer program. As a further result, SOUSSA P possesses an extensive checkpoint/ restart facility. The programmer's portion of this manual includes overlay/subroutine hierarchy, logical flow of control, definition of SOUSSA P 1.1 FORTRAN variables, and definition of SOUSSA P 1.1 subroutines. Purpose of the SOUSSA P 1.1 modules, input data to the program, output of the program, hardware/software requirements, error detection and reporting capabilities, job control statements, a summary of the procedure for running the program and two test cases including input and output and listings are described in the user oriented portion of the manual.

Smolka, S. A.↗

Three-dimensional structural analysis using interactive graphics

The application of computer interactive graphics to three-dimensional structural analysis was described, with emphasis on the following aspects: (1) structural analysis, and (2) generation and checking of input data and examination of the large volume of output data (stresses, displacements, velocities, accelerations). Handling of three-dimensional input processing with a special MESH3D computer program was explained. Similarly, a special code PLTZ may be used to perform all the needed tasks for output processing from a finite element code. Examples were illustrated.

Biffle, J.↗

Surface-crack growth: Models, experiments, and structures; Proceedings of the Symposium, Sparks, NV, Apr. 25, 1988

The present volume on surface-crack growth modeling, experimental methods, and structures, discusses elastoplastic behavior, the fracture analysis of three-dimensional bodies with surface cracks, optical measurements of free-surface effects on natural surfaces and through cracks, an optical and finite-element investigation of a plastically deformed surface flaw under tension, fracture behavior prediction for rapidly loaded surface-cracked specimens, and surface cracks in thick laminated fiber composite plates. Also discussed are a novel study procedure for crack initiation and growth in thermal fatigue testing, the growth of surface cracks under fatigue and monotonically increasing load, the subcritical growth of a surface flaw, surface crack propagation in notched and unnotched rods, and theoretical and experimental analyses of surface cracks in weldments.

Reuter, Walter G.↗

Mixing, transport and combustion in sprays

The state-of-the-art in analytical methods for sprays and drop/turbulence interactions in combustion processes is presented with reference to dilute sprays, and dilute dispersed flows, that contain well-defined dispersed-phase elements in volume fractions lower than 1 percent. Attention is given to the near-injector dense spray region. The methods tested are those of locally homogeneous flow, deterministic separated flow, and stochastic separated flow; the first of these was ineffective due to its ignoring finite interphase transport rates, and the second failed by ignoring turbulent dispersion. Stochastic separated flow methodology yielded encouraging results through its treatment of both finite interphase transport rates and dispersed-phase/turbulence interactions.

Faeth, G. M.↗

Autoregressive modeling for the spectral analysis of oceanographic data

Over the last decade there has been a dramatic increase in the number and volume of data sets useful for oceanographic studies. Many of these data sets consist of long temporal or spatial series derived from satellites and large-scale oceanographic experiments. These data sets are, however, often 'gappy' in space, irregular in time, and always of finite length. The conventional Fourier transform (FT) approach to the spectral analysis is thus often inapplicable, or where applicable, it provides questionable results. Here, through comparative analysis with the FT for different oceanographic data sets, the possibilities offered by autoregressive (AR) modeling to perform spectral analysis of gappy, finite-length series, are discussed. The applications demonstrate that as the length of the time series becomes shorter, the resolving power of the AR approach as compared with that of the FT improves. For the longest data sets examined here, 98 points, the AR method performed only slightly better than the FT, but for the very short ones, 17 points, the AR method showed a dramatic improvement over the FT. The application of the AR method to a gappy time series, although a secondary concern of this manuscript, further underlines the value of this approach.

Gangopadhyay, Avijit↗

Unsteady planar diffusion flames: Ignition, travel, burnout

In microgravity, a thin planar diffusion flame is created and thenceforth travels so that the flame is situated at all times at an interface at which the hydrogen and oxygen meet in stoichiometric proportion. If the initial amount of hydrogen is deficient relative to the initial amount of oxygen, then the planar flame will travel further and further into the half volume initially containing hydrogen, until the hydrogen is (virtually) fully depleted. Of course, when the amount of residual hydrogen becomes small, the diffusion flame is neither vigorous nor thin; in practice, the flame is extinguished before the hydrogen is fully depleted, owing to the finite rate of the actual chemical-kinetic mechanism. The rate of travel of the hydrogen-air diffusion flame is much slower than the rate of laminar flame propagation through a hydrogen-air mixture. This slow travel facilitates diagnostic detection of the flame position as a function of time, but the slow travel also means that the time to burnout (extinction) probably far exceeds the testing time (typically, a few seconds) available in earth-sited facilities for microgravity-environment experiments. We undertake an analysis to predict (1) the position and temperature of the diffusion flame as a function of time, (2) the time at which extinction of the diffusion flame occurs, and (3) the thickness of quench layers formed on side walls (i.e., on lateral boundaries, with normal vectors parallel to the diffusion-flame plane), and whether, prior to extinction, water vapor formed by burning will condense on these cold walls.

Fendell, F.↗