Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “static models”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 1,531 records · Page 85

CHAMP Tracking and Accelerometer Data Analysis Results

The CHAMP (Challenging Minisatellite Payload) mission's unique combination of sensors and orbit configuration will enable unprecedented improvements in modeling and understanding the Earth's static gravity field and its temporal variations. CHAMP is the first of two missions (GRACE (Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment) to be launched in the later part of '01) that combine a new generation of GPS (Global Positioning System) receivers, a high precision three axis accelerometer, and star cameras for the precision attitude determination. In order to isolate the gravity signal for science investigations, it is necessary to perform a detailed reduction and analysis of the GPS and SLR tracking data in conjunction with the accelerometer and attitude data. Precision orbit determination based on the GPS and SLR (Satellite Laser Ranging) tracking data will isolate the orbit perturbations, while the accelerometer data will be used to distinguish the surface forces from those due to the geopotential (static, and time varying). In preparation for the CHAMP and GRACE missions, extensive modifications have been made to NASA/GSFC's GEODYN orbit determination software to enable the simultaneous reduction of spacecraft tracking (e.g. GPS and SLR), three axis accelerometer and precise attitude data. Several weeks of CHAMP tracking and accelerometer data have been analyzed and the results will be presented. Precision orbit determination analysis based on tracking data alone in addition to results based on the simultaneous reduction of tracking and accelerometer data will be discussed. Results from a calibration of the accelerometer will be presented along with the results from various orbit determination strategies. Gravity field modeling status and plans will be discussed.

Lemoine, Frank G.↗

Toward Multi-scale Modeling and simulation of conduction in heterogeneous materials

This report summarizes a project in which the authors sought to develop and deploy: (i) experimental techniques to elucidate the complex, multiscale nature of thermal transport in particle-based materials; and (ii) modeling approaches to address current challenges in predicting performance variability of materials (e.g., identifying and characterizing physical- chemical processes and their couplings across multiple length and time scales, modeling information transfer between scales, and statically and dynamically resolving material structure and its evolution during manufacturing and device performance). Experimentally, several capabilities were successfully advanced. As discussed in Chapter 2 a flash diffusivity capability for measuring homogeneous thermal conductivity of pyrotechnic powders (and beyond) was advanced; leading to enhanced characterization of pyrotechnic materials and properties impacting component development. Chapter 4 describes success for the first time, although preliminary, in resolving thermal fields at speeds and spatial scales relevant to energetic components. Chapter 7 summarizes the first ever (as far as the authors know) application of TDTR to actual pyrotechnic materials. This is the first attempt to actually characterize these materials at the interfacial scale. On the modeling side, new capabilities in image processing of experimental microstructures and direct numerical simulation on complicated structures were advanced (see Chapters 3 and 5). In addition, modeling work described in Chapter 8 led to improved prediction of interface thermal conductance from first principles calculations. Toward the second point, for a model system of packed particles, significant headway was made in implementing numerical algorithms and collecting data to justify the approach in terms of highlighting the phenomena at play and pointing the way forward in developing and informing the kind of modeling approach originally envisioned (see Chapter 6). In both cases much more remains to be accomplished.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Acoustic nonlinearity in dispersive solids

An investigation to consider the effects of dispersion on the generation of the static acoustic wave component is presented. It is considered that an acoustic toneburst may be modeled as a modulated continuous waveform and that the generated initial static displacement pulse may be viewed as a modulation-confined disturbance. A theoretical model for the generation of the acoustic modulation solitons evolved is developed and experimental evidence in samples of vitreous silica demonstrating the essential validity of the model is provided.

Cantrell, John H.↗

Results of a flow field survey conducted using the 0.0175 scale orbiter model 29-0 in AEDC VKF tunnel B during test OH52

Static pressure data and flow field surveys of the boundary layer and shock layer on the lower surface of a 0.0175 scale model of the space shuttle orbiter were obtained in a hypersonic wind tunnel. The tests were conducted at Mach number 7.9 and Reynolds number based on the model length of 1.3 x 1 million to simulate atmospheric entry. Twenty-six stations were surveyed at 30 and 35 degree angles of attack.

Herrera, B. J.↗

Longitudinal Stability and Stalling Characteristics of a 1/8.33-Scale Model of the Republic XF-12 Airplane

The XF-12 airplane is a high performance, photo-reconnaissance aircraft designed by the Republic Aviation Corporation for Army Air Forces. A series of tests of a 1/8.33-scale powered model was conducted in the Langley 9-foot pressure tunnel to obtain information relative to the aerodynamic design of the airplane. This report presents the results of tests to determine the static longitudinal stability and stalling characteristics of the model. From this investigation it was indicated that the airplane will possess a positive static margin for all probable flight conditions. The stalling characteristics are considered satisfactory in that the stall initiates near the root section and progresses toward the tips. Early root section stalling occurs, with the flaps retracted and may cause undesirable tail buffeting and erratic elevator control in the normal flight range. From considerations of sinking speed landing flap deflections of 40 degrees may be preferable to 55 degrees of 65 degrees.

Pepper, Edward↗

ASSESSING MATERIAL DEGRADATION EFFECTS ON LONG TERM STORAGE STRUCTURAL ANALYSES

PNNL staff are currently working to conduct analyses, integrate experimental data, and develop the technical basis for extended long term storage and subsequent transportation of used nuclear fuel. Analyses will serve to augment the experimental work by addressing degradation phenomena not readily obtainable through experimentation, such as low temperature creep over very long periods of time. Analyses can also address issues such as concrete degradation that may not require a comprehensive R&D program to resolve, as well as evaluation of engineering design solutions that can be implemented to mitigate the amount and extent of experimental data needed. Most importantly, analyses are necessary to determine how much degradation any structure, system, or component can experience and still maintain its ability to meet its safety functions. This paper focuses on various structural modeling issues that are affected by material degradation in extended long term storage scenarios. Typical storage cask and transportation package designs have a safety basis that includes a number of structural static or dynamic finite element analysis (FEA) models. Some of the features of these standard models need to be reconsidered when the fuel is in an extended long term storage state. In this paper, a number of standard safety basis FEA models are discussed and evaluated for their applicability to long term storage scenarios. A vertical handling drop analysis is used to illustrate a case where additional modeling is needed to define the loads and loading history needed to properly evaluate material degradation in long term storage scenarios.

Klymyshyn, Nicholas A.↗

Effect of Vertical Strut Arrangements on Compression Characteristics of 3D Printed Polymer Lattice Structures: Experimental and Computational Study

This paper discusses the behavior of the three-dimensional (3D) printed polymer lattice core structures during compressive deformation, by both physical testing and computer modeling. Four lattice configurations based on the body-centered cubic (BCC) unit cell were selected to investigate the effect of vertical strut arrangements on stiffness, failure load, and energy absorption per unit mass or the specific energy absorption (SEA). The basic BCC unit cell consists of struts connecting the body center to the corners of the cube. Three variations in the BCC configuration considered in this study are (1) BCCV, with vertical members connecting all nodes of the lattice, (2) BCCA, with vertical members in alternating layers of the lattice, and (3) BCCG, with a gradient in the number of vertical members increasing from none at the top layer to all vertical members at the bottom layer. The unit cell dimensions were 5 mm × 5 mm × 5 mm with strut diameter of 1 mm. The lattice was assembled with 5 cells in the x and y directions and 4 cells in the z direction. Specimens were first made by 3D printing by using a fused deposition modeling printer with acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene thermoplastic. Specimens were then tested under compression in the z direction under quasi-static conditions. Finite element analysis was used to model the compressive behavior of the different lattice structures. Results from both experiments and finite element models show that the strength of the lattice structures is greater when vertical members are present, and the SEA depends on the lattice geometry and not its mass.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Spherical collapse in Galileon gravity: fifth force solutions, halo mass function and halo bias

We study spherical collapse in the Quartic and Quintic Covariant Galileon gravity models within the framework of the excursion set formalism. We derive the nonlinear spherically symmetric equations in the quasi-static and weak-field limits, focusing on model parameters that fit current CMB, SNIa and BAO data. We demonstrate that the equations of the Quintic model do not admit physical solutions of the fifth force in high density regions, which prevents the study of structure formation in this model. For the Quartic model, we show that the effective gravitational strength deviates from the standard value at late times (z∼<1), becoming larger if the density is low, but smaller if the density is high. This shows that the Vainshtein mechanism at high densities is not enough to screen all of the modifications of gravity. This makes halos that collapse at z∼<1 feel an overall weaker gravity, which suppresses halo formation. However, the matter density in the Quartic model is higher than in standard ΛCDM, which boosts structure formation and dominates over the effect of the weaker gravity. In the Quartic model there is a significant overabundance of high-mass halos relative to ΛCDM. Dark matter halos are also less biased than in ΛCDM, with the difference increasing appreciably with halo mass. However, our results suggest that the bias may not be small enough to fully reconcile the predicted matter power spectrum with LRG clustering data.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Investigation of flow fields within large scale hypersonic inlet models

Analytical and experimental investigations were conducted to determine the internal flow characteristics in model passages representative of hypersonic inlets for use at Mach numbers to about 12. The passages were large enough to permit measurements to be made in both the core flow and boundary layers. The analytical techniques for designing the internal contours and predicting the internal flow-field development accounted for coupling between the boundary layers and inviscid flow fields by means of a displacement-thickness correction. Three large-scale inlet models, each having a different internal compression ratio, were designed to provide high internal performance with an approximately uniform static-pressure distribution at the throat station. The models were tested in the Ames 3.5-Foot Hypersonic Wind Tunnel at a nominal free-stream Mach number of 7.4 and a unit free-stream Reynolds number of 8.86 X one million per meter.

Gnos, A. V.↗

Correlation of finite-element structural dynamic analysis with measured free vibration characteristics for a full-scale helicopter fuselage

The correlation achieved with each program provides the material for a discussion of modeling techniques developed for general application to finite-element dynamic analyses of helicopter airframes. Included are the selection of static and dynamic degrees of freedom, cockpit structural modeling, and the extent of flexible-frame modeling in the transmission support region and in the vicinity of large cut-outs. The sensitivity of predicted results to these modeling assumptions are discussed. Both the Sikorsky Finite-Element Airframe Vibration analysis Program (FRAN/Vibration Analysis) and the NASA Structural Analysis Program (NASTRAN) have been correlated with data taken in full-scale vibration tests of a modified CH-53A helicopter.

Kenigsberg, I. J.↗

Assessment of computational models for thermoelectroelastic multilayered plates

A study is made of the accuracy of the steady-state (static) thermoelectroelastic response of multilayered hybrid composite plates predicted by five modeling approaches, based on two-dimensional plate theories. The plates consist of a combination of fiber-reinforced and piezothermoelastic layers. The standard of comparison is taken to be the exact three-dimensional thermoelectroelastic solutions, and the quantities compared include gross response characteristics (e.g., strain energy components, and average through-the-thickness displacements); detailed, through-the-thickness distributions of displacements and stresses; and sensitivity coefficients of the response quantities (derivatives of the response quantities with respect to material parameters of the plate). The modeling approaches considered include first-order theory; third-order theory; discrete-layer theory (with piecewise linear variation of the in-plane displacements, temperature and electric potential, in the thickness direction); and two predictor-corrector procedures.

Tang, Yvette T.↗

Thrust oscillations of the Space Shuttle solid rocket Booster motor during static tests

Thrust oscillations have occurred during static tests of Space Shuttle Booster solid rocket motors. These oscillations in measured axial thrust occurred primarily near 15 Hz; these oscillations late in the motor burn reach magnitudes up to approximately + or - 3% of motor thrust. The phenomenon has consistently occurred on the four demonstration motors which have been static tested and appears to be associated with small amplitude, 15 Hz pressure oscillations inside the motor. The source of the pressure oscillations is thought to be associated with the fundamental longitudinal acoustic resonance of the motor at 15 Hz. These thrust oscillations potentially can impact the design of the Space Shuttle vehicle structure. The demonstration motors have been instrumented with an array of transducers to aid in understanding the phenomenon. In addition to measuring axial and lateral thrust of the motor, pressure transducers were located to measure chamber pressure oscillations at the forward dome. Accelerometers and extensometers have measured motions of the structure. A modal survey was conducted on a fired motor to identify its structural dynamic characteristics, and these data were used to validate mathematical models of the motor in the static test facility.

Mason, D. R.↗

An investigation of drag reduction fairings on the space shuttle vehicle 5 configuration (model 74-OTS) in the MSFC 14 inch trisonic wind tunnel (FA14)

An experimental investigation was conducted in the MSFC 14-inch TWT (FA14, TWT 600) to determine the static stability and drag on a 0.004 scale model of the shuttle ascent configuration. The primary objective was to study the possibility of reducing the launch vehicle drag by using Orbiter/ET/SRB fairings, streamlined orbiter fore and aft attach structures, SRB and ET alternative nose configurations, and devices for modifying the flow between the orbiter and ET. The secondary objective was to determine the longitudinal and directional characteristics of the ascent configuration with the most promising of the drag reduction devices installed. Data were obtained for a Mach number range of 0.6 through 4.96 and angles of attack from -5 through 5 degrees at zero degrees side slip angle.

Ramsey, P. E.↗

CHOLLA: A NEW MASSIVELY PARALLEL HYDRODYNAMICS CODE FOR ASTROPHYSICAL SIMULATION

We present Computational Hydrodynamics On ParaLLel Architectures (Cholla ), a new three-dimensional hydrodynamics code that harnesses the power of graphics processing units (GPUs) to accelerate astrophysical simulations. Cholla models the Euler equations on a static mesh using state-of-the-art techniques, including the unsplit Corner Transport Upwind algorithm, a variety of exact and approximate Riemann solvers, and multiple spatial reconstruction techniques including the piecewise parabolic method (PPM). Using GPUs, Cholla evolves the fluid properties of thousands of cells simultaneously and can update over 10 million cells per GPU-second while using an exact Riemann solver and PPM reconstruction. Owing to the massively parallel architecture of GPUs and the design of the Cholla code, astrophysical simulations with physically interesting grid resolutions (≳256{sup 3}) can easily be computed on a single device. We use the Message Passing Interface library to extend calculations onto multiple devices and demonstrate nearly ideal scaling beyond 64 GPUs. A suite of test problems highlights the physical accuracy of our modeling and provides a useful comparison to other codes. We then use Cholla to simulate the interaction of a shock wave with a gas cloud in the interstellar medium, showing that the evolution of the cloud is highly dependent on its density structure. We reconcile the computed mixing time of a turbulent cloud with a realistic density distribution destroyed by a strong shock with the existing analytic theory for spherical cloud destruction by describing the system in terms of its median gas density.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Manuscript model outputs, model source code, and figure scripts: The role of geomorphology in mediating biomass allocation impacts on salt-marsh resilience and carbon accumulation

This data package provides model source code (C++), model outputs, and figure generation scripts (R) needed to reproduce the following manuscript: Bruns, Nicholas E., Genevieve L. Noyce, and Matthew L. Kirwan. "The Role of Geomorphology in Mediating Biomass Allocation Impacts on Salt-Marsh Resilience and Carbon Accumulation." Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science 327 (December 2025): 109549. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecss.2025.109549. This manuscript investigates how geomorphology mediates the impact of biomass allocation shifts on salt marsh persistence and carbon (C) sequestration under sea level rise. We use a 1-D soil-column model (Kirwan and Mudd 2012) to perform experiments across a range of static root:shoot ratios (RSR = 1-4) spanning observed values. The model explicitly simulates interactions between tidal inundation, productivity, inorganic sediment deposition, and organic matter accumulation. Experiments determine whether geomorphic feedbacks amplify, dampen, or leave unchanged the ecosystem response to biomass allocation shifts. A first experiment uses constant sea level rise (2.5 mm/yr) to examine equilibrium dynamics and their influence on carbon accumulation rates across different suspended sediment concentrations (SSC). A second set of experiments calculates threshold sea level rise rates for marsh drowning across RSR and SSC combinations. Final experiments apply accelerating sea level rise scenarios (2000-2200) derived from NOAA projections (Sweet et al. 2022) to generate an envelope of expected responses, quantifying the importance of biomass allocation shifts on marsh carbon accumulation and persistence. All experiments are repeated across SSC ranging from 5-50 mg/L to investigate how these interactions vary in micro-tidal marshes with different sediment supplies. Package contents: * README.txt with detailed description of package contents and instructions for reproducing manuscript figures and model outputs * R scripts for generating all manuscript figures * C++ baseline model code from Kirwan and Mudd (2012) * C++ source code for 4 experimental model variants used in the manuscript, extending above baseline code * Model input files (.csv, .txt) including sea level rise scenarios * Model output files (.txt) used in manuscript analyses Temporal coverage: Model simulations span years 1900-2200, with accelerating sea level rise scenarios for 2000-2200. Key variables: Root:shoot ratio, suspended sediment concentration, carbon accumulation rate, vertical accretion rate, marsh elevation, inundation depth, threshold sea level rise rate.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Further buffeting tests in a cryogenic wind tunnel

Further measurements of buffeting, using wing-root strain gauges, were made in the NASA Langley 0.3 m Cryogenic Wind Tunnel to refine techniques which will be used in larger cryogenic facilities such as the United States National Transonic Facility (NTF) and European Transonic Wind Tunnel (ETW). The questions addressed included the relative importance of variations in frequency parameter and Reynolds number, the choice of model material (considering both stiffness and damping) and the effects of static aeroelastic distortion. The main series of tests was made on half models of slender 65 deg delta wings with a sharp leading edge. The three delta wings had the same planform but widely different bending stiffness and frequencies (obtained by varying both the material and the thickness of the wings). It was known that the flow on this configuration would be insensitive to variations in Reynold number. Additional tests were made on one unswept half-wing of aspect ratio 1.5 with an NPL 9510 aerofoil section, known to be sensitive to variations in Reynolds number at transonic speeds. For brevity the test Mach numbers were restricted to M = 0.21 and 0.35 for the delta wings and to M = 0.30 for the unswept wing.

Mabey, D. G.↗

Tests of Aerodynamically Heated Multiweb Wing Structures in a Free Jet at Mach Number 2: Five Aluminum-Alloy Models of 20-Inch Chord with 0.064-Inch-Thick Skin, 0.025-Inch-Thick Webs, and Various Chordwise Stiffening at 2 deg Angle of Attack

An experimental study was made on five 2024-T3 aluminum-alloy multiweb wing structures (MW-2-(4), MW-4-(3), mw-16, MW-17, and MW-18), at a Mach number of 2 and an angle of attack of 2 deg under simulated supersonic flight conditions. These models, of 20-inch chord and semi-span and 5-percent-thick circular-arc airfoil section, were identical except for the type and amount of chordwise stiffening. One model with no chordwise ribs between root and tip bulkhead fluttered and failed dynamically partway through its test. Another model with no chordwise ribs (and a thinner tip bulkhead) experienced a static bending type of failure while undergoing flutter. The three remaining models with one, two, or three chordwise ribs survived their tests. The test results indicate that the chordwise shear rigidity imparted to the models by the addition of even one chordwise rib precludes flutter and subsequent failure under the imposed test conditions. This paper presents temperature and strain data obtained from the tests and discusses the behavior of the models.

Trussell, Donald H.↗

Experimental study of effects of forebody geometry on high angle of attack static and dynamic stability

A series of low speed wind tunnel tests on a generic fighter model with a cylindrical fuselage were made to investigate the effects of forebody shape on static and dynamic lateral/directional stability. Five forebodies, including a chine nose of unconventional cross-sectional shape, were tested. Conventional force tests were conducted to determine static stability characteristics and single degree-of-freedom free-to-roll tests were used to study the wing rock susceptibility of the model with the various forebodies. Flow visualization data were obtained to aid in analysis of the complex flow phenomena involved. The results show that forebody cross-sectional shape can strongly effect both static and dynamic (roll) stability at high angles of attack. Large variations in stability were obtained for the various forebody geometries. These characteristics result from the impact of cross-sectional shape on forebody vortex development, the behavior of the vortices at sideslip conditions, and their interaction with the wing and empennage flow fields.

Brandon, J. M.↗