SEARCH · Engineering Papers
Results for “support structure”
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.
Design and Analyses of the NSTX-U PF1A Poloidal Field Coil Support
New poloidal field (PF) coils and supports have been designed for the National Spherical Torus Experiment Upgrade (NSTX-U) Recovery project. The PF1A coil structural requirements demand a large preload to pre-compress the coil insulation. Coil support design accounts for all operational conditions and loads of NSTX-U including bakeout, seismic events, and electromagnetic loads. Background magnetic fields produce coil Lorentz forces that react on the structural supports. These Lorentz forces include interactions from the coil current and all plasma events: normal operations, disruptions, and vertical displacement events. This paper will detail the design and design loads and highlight some of the analyses.
INTERFACES. A Program for Determining the 3D Structures of Surfaces Sites Using NMR Data
Dynamic nuclear polarization surface enhanced NMR spectroscopy has enabled the determination of high-resolution structures from surface-supported molecules, including singlesite heterogeneous catalysts. Structure determinations have largely mimicked the approaches used in biomolecular NMR spectroscopy, namely, using distance measurements to constrain a conformational search. These early demonstrations made use of purpose-built software, which has limited the adoption of the technique. Herein, we describe the open-source program INTERFACES (Interpret NMR to Elucidate or Reconstruct the Full Atomistic Configurations of External Surfaces) which automates the analysis of RE(SP)DOR data as well as the structure determination for surface sites. Distances, angles, dihedral angles, complex orientation, and distance from the support can all be sampled to find all structures that agree with the experimental data. A χ 2 metric is used to define the error ranges of the REDOR fits and produce structures with an arbitrary level of confidence. Structural solutions are then provided as both overlays and ORTEP-like probability ellipsoids.
Experimental and numerical studies of seismic fluid-structure interaction in a base-supported cylindrical vessel
Seismic design and qualification of advanced reactors will rely heavily on the use of verified and validated numerical models capable of capturing the interaction of the vessel, its contained fluid, and the internal equipment: fluid-structure interaction (FSI) analysis. Analytical solutions can be used for preliminary sizing and design of such vessels but their application is limited to simple geometries and boundary conditions, and small amplitude, translational (and rotational) inputs. To validate numerical models for seismic FSI analysis in finite element codes, a comprehensive set of experiments was performed on a liquid-filled cylindrical vessel, using a 6 degree-of-freedom earthquake simulator. Results in terms of sloshing frequency, damping ratio in sloshing modes, and hydrodynamic responses (wave height, hydrodynamic pressure, base shear, and base moment) for multi-directional earthquake simulator inputs are reported and compared with analytical solutions for liquid-filled vessels. The impact of seismic (base) isolation on hydrodynamic responses was studied using earthquake simulator inputs generated using a virtual isolation system. Data from the experiments are used to validate a numerical model of the fluid-filled vessel using the Arbitrary Lagrangian Eulerian (ALE) solver in the commercial finite element program LS-DYNA. Validation studies are presented for multi-directional seismic inputs, including rocking motions. Lagrangian modeling approaches using an elastic material formulation for the fluid are also investigated and their limitations and possible applications are identified. Here, the results are broadly applicable to the seismic response of base supported, liquid-filled vessels.
Single‐Site Carbon‐Supported Metal‐Oxo Complexes in Heterogeneous Catalysis: Structure, Reactivity, and Mechanism
Abstract When early transition metal complexes are molecularly grafted onto catalyst supports, well‐defined, surface‐bound species are created, which are highly active and selective single‐site heterogeneous catalysts (SSHCs) for diverse chemical transformations. In this minireview, we analyze and summarize a less conventional type of SSHC in which molybdenum dioxo species are grafted onto unusual carbon‐unsaturated scaffolds, such as activated carbon, reduced graphene oxide, and carbon nanohorns. The choice of earth‐abundant, low‐toxicity, versatile metal constituents, and various carbon supports illustrates “catalyst by design” principles and yields insights into new catalytic systems of both academic and technological interest. Here, we summarize experimental and computational investigations of the bonding, electronic structure, reaction scope, and mechanistic pathways of these unusual catalysts.
Domain analysis for the reuse of software development experiences
We need to be able to learn from past experiences so we can improve our software processes and products. The Experience Factory is an organizational structure designed to support and encourage the effective reuse of software experiences. This structure consists of two organizations which separates project development concerns from organizational concerns of experience packaging and learning. The experience factory provides the processes and support for analyzing, packaging, and improving the organization's stored experience. The project organization is structured to reuse this stored experience in its development efforts. However, a number of questions arise: What past experiences are relevant? Can they all be used (reused) on our current project? How do we take advantage of what has been learned in other parts of the organization? How do we take advantage of experience in the world-at-large? Can someone else's best practices be used in our organization with confidence? This paper describes approaches to help answer these questions. We propose both quantitative and qualitative approaches for effectively reusing software development experiences.
Analytical and experimental study of vibrations in a gear transmission
An analytical simulation of the dynamics of a gear transmission system is presented and compared to experimental results from a gear noise test rig at the NASA Lewis Research Center. The analytical procedure developed couples the dynamic behaviors of the rotor-bearing-gear system with the response of the gearbox structure. The modal synthesis method is used in solving the overall dynamics of the system. Locally each rotor-gear stage is modeled as an individual rotor-bearing system using the matrix transfer technique. The dynamics of each individual rotor are coupled with other rotor stages through the nonlinear gear mesh forces and with the gearbox structure through bearing support systems. The modal characteristics of the gearbox structure are evaluated using the finite element procedure. A variable time steping integration routine is used to calculate the overall time transient behavior of the system in modal coordinates. The global dynamic behavior of the system is expressed in a generalized coordinate system. Transient and steady state vibrations of the gearbox system are presented in the time and frequency domains. The vibration characteristics of a simple single mesh gear noise test rig is modeled. The numerical simulations are compared to experimental data measured under typical operating conditions. The comparison of system natural frequencies, peak vibration amplitudes, and gear mesh frequencies are generally in good agreement.
Electronic Structure Theory and Novel Materials
This grant supported research on electronic structure and materials theory, with focus on three main issues: (i) novel techniques to deal with correlation in the electronic ground-state, (ii) topological materials, (iii) the phase diagram of lattice spin models. Regarding (i), we applied to the homogeneous electron liquid an approach that we previously developed in the context of molecular systems. In this scheme the electronic occupation probabilities and the natural spin orbitals are used to construct an approximate two-body density matrix for the electronic ground-state. Regarding (ii) we used standard electronic structure methods based on density functional theory to model topological materials and interpret experimental observations. Finally, regarding (iii) we further developed a numerical approach to compute the renormalized couplings within real space renormalization group theory in the context of lattice spin models. The main findings were the following. (i) We found that with our approximate two-body density matrix, which works well for small molecules, is not sufficiently accurate for condensed phase systems. Missing a systematic way of improving on the adopted approximations, we decided not to pursue this approach. (ii) We performed two studies. In one, we investigated the influence of Te defects on the topological properties of a WTe2 monolayer, finding that while Te vacancies, even in modest concentration, destroy the topological character, Te adatoms do not, consistent with a recent experiment. In another study, we predicted Weyl semimetal character and strong anomalous Hall effect in the Heusler compensated ferrimagnet Ti2MnAl. (iii) We developed a new Monte Carlo method to do real space renormalization group calculations for lattice spin models. We subsequently extended the scheme to deal with lattice spin models in presence of quenched disorder, finding that the approach can distinguish systems with finite and strong disorder. In the finite disorder case, the method allows one to find with good approximation the critical coupling distribution and the critical exponents.
Modular multipurpose panel support
Inexpensive set of modular semirigid box structures serve as multipurpose support for thin panels. Fixture holds several different, interchangeable, two-part, adjustable, contour-board subassemblies. Combining modules allows for accommodation to any length skin or panel.
EV30: Structural Design and Analysis Division
EV30 provides support to customers with structural design, analysis, and definition of induced environments. These disciplines are responsible for assuring the structural integrity of spacecraft and launch vehicle primary structures, subsystems, mechanisms, and components to ensure designs for this hardware meet structural requirements and performance goals.
Dynamic effects of sonic booms on a beam loosely bound to its supports.
Potential damage to structural elements caused by sonic booms determined by considering effect of gap between beam and supports
Suspension systems for ground testing large space structures
A research program is documented for the development of improved suspension techniques for ground vibration testing of large, flexible space structures. The suspension system must support the weight of the structure and simultaneously allow simulation of the unconstrained rigid-body movement as in the space environment. Exploratory analytical and experimental studies were conducted for suspension systems designed to provide minimum vertical, horizontal, and rotational degrees of freedom. The effects of active feedback control added to the passive system were also investigated. An experimental suspension apparatus was designed, fabricated, and tested. This test apparatus included a zero spring rate mechanism (ZSRM) designed to support a range of weights from 50 to 300 lbs and provide vertical suspension mode frequencies less than 0.1 Hz. The lateral suspension consisted of a pendulum suspended from a moving cart (linear bearing) which served to increase the effective length of the pendulum. The torsion suspension concept involved dual pendulum cables attached from above to a pivoting support (bicycle wheel). A simple test structure having variable weight and stiffness characteristics was used to simulate the vibration characteristics of a large space structure. The suspension hardware for the individual degrees of freedom was analyzed and tested separately and then combined to achieve a 3 degree of freedom suspension system. Results from the exploratory studies should provide useful guidelines for the development of future suspension systems for ground vibration testing of large space structures.
University of Missouri Research Reactor (MURR) LEU Fuel Fluid-Structure Interaction Analysis
The University of Missouri Research Reactor (MURR ® ) is one of five U.S. high performance research reactors (USHPRR), plus one critical facility, that are actively collaborating with the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) Material Management and Minimization (M 3 ) Reactor Conversion Program to convert from highly enriched uranium (HEU, ≥ 20 wt.% U-235) to low-enriched uranium (LEU, < 20 wt.% U-235) fuel. A new type of LEU fuel with very high density, based on an alloy of uranium and 10 weight percent molybdenum (U-10Mo), is expected to allow the conversion to LEU of USHPRR that have been found unable to be converted with previously qualified uranium silicide-aluminum (U 3 Si 2 -Al) dispersion fuel. MURR has been working with the USHPRR Reactor Conversion (RC) Pillar at Argonne National Laboratory to perform fuel element design and fuel cycle performance analyses, steady-state thermal hydraulics safety analyses, and accident safety analyses in preparation for the conversion of MURR and to support a preliminary Safety Analysis Report (SAR) for conversion to LEU fuel. In this work, Fluid-structure interaction (FSI) analysis at the fuel element level, as compared to the fuel plate level of the previous work. is performed which models all components of the MURR LEU fuel element, including fuel plates and the supporting structures e.g., side plates, end fittings, and combs. Therefore, the effect of supporting structures on the coolant flow distribution, the fuel plate deflection, and the resulting coolant channel gap reduction can be evaluated. In addition to the nominal element geometry and flow rate, the tolerances in the geometry dimensions of coolant channel and plate thickness, the effect of a comb on plate deflection, and the uncertainty of the flow rate per element are considered in this work. The effect of comb on plate displacement is quantified through two bounding cases: the case assuming a perfect bond between the comb and plates and the case neglecting the comb effect. Note that in this analysis, the FSI has been decoupled from the other structural effects caused by irradiation (e.g., swelling and irradiation creep). Assessment of combined effects is planned for a later stage of this project.
Structural Configuration Analysis of Crew Exploration Vehicle Concepts
Structural configuration modeling and finite element analysis of crew exploration vehicle (CEV) concepts are presented. In the structural configuration design approach, parametric solid models of the pressurized shell and tanks are developed. The CEV internal cabin pressure is same as in the International Space Station (ISS) to enable docking with the ISS without an intermediate airlock. Effects of this internal pressure load on the stress distribution, factor of safety, mass and deflections are investigated. Uniform 7 mm thick skin shell, 5 mm thick shell with ribs and frames, and isogrid skin construction options are investigated. From this limited study, the isogrid construction appears to provide most strength/mass ratio. Initial finite element analysis results on the service module tanks are also presented. These rapid finite element analyses, stress and factor of safety distribution results are presented as a part of lessons learned and to build up a structural mass estimation and sizing database for future technology support. This rapid structural analysis process may also facilitate better definition of the vehicles and components for rapid prototyping. However, these structural analysis results are highly conceptual and exploratory in nature and do not reflect current configuration designs being conducted at the program level by NASA and industry.
Electrode support for gas arc welding torch having coaxial vision
An improved electrode mounting structure for a gas tungsten arc welding torch having a coaxial imaging system. The electrode mounting structure includes a support having a central hub and a plurality of spokes which extend from the hub generally radially with respect to the axis of the torch into supporting engagement with the interior walls of the torch. The spaces between the spokes are optical passages for transmission of light to form the image. A tubular collet holder is threadedly engaged at its upper end to the hub and extends downwardly toward the open end of the torch. The collet holder has an inwardly tapering constriction near its lower end. An electrode-retaining, tubular collet is mounted within the collet holder and has a longitudinally split and tapered end seating against the tapered constriction. A spring seats against the upper end of the collet and forces the split end against the tapered constriction to wedge the split end radially inwardly to grip the electrode within the collet.
Life support systems for Mars transit
The structural elements of life-support systems are reviewed in order to assess the suitability of specific features for use during a Mars mission. Life-support requirements are estimated by means of an approximate input/output analysis, and the advantages are listed relating to the use of recycling and regeneration techniques. The technological options for regeneration are presented in categories such as CO2 reduction, organics removal, polishing, food production, and organics oxidation. These data form the basis of proposed mission requirements and constraints as well as the definition of what constitutes an adequate reserve. Regenerative physical/chemical life-support systems are championed based exclusively on the mass savings inherent in the technology. The resiliency and 'soft' failure modes of bioregenerative life-support systems are identified as areas of investigation.
Structural Dynamics Modeling of HIRENASD in Support of the Aeroelastic Prediction Workshop
An Aeroelastic Prediction Workshop (AePW) was held in April 2012 using three aeroelasticity case study wind tunnel tests for assessing the capabilities of various codes in making aeroelasticity predictions. One of these case studies was known as the HIRENASD model that was tested in the European Transonic Wind Tunnel (ETW). This paper summarizes the development of a standardized enhanced analytical HIRENASD structural model for use in the AePW effort. The modifications to the HIRENASD finite element model were validated by comparing modal frequencies, evaluating modal assurance criteria, comparing leading edge, trailing edge and twist of the wing with experiment and by performing steady and unsteady CFD analyses for one of the test conditions on the same grid, and identical processing of results.
Molecular structure and catalytic promotional effect of Mn on supported Na 2 WO 4 /SiO 2 catalysts for oxidative coupling of methane (OCM) reaction
The structure and promotional effect of Mn in supported Mn-Na 2 WO 4 /SiO 2 catalysts for the oxidative coupling of methane (OCM) reaction has been debated for a longtime in the literature. In the current investigation, with the aid of multiple in-situ characterization studies, we show that the freshly calcined supported 1.2Mn-5Na 2 WO 4 /SiO 2 catalyst possesses crystalline Na 2 WO 4 , Mn 2 O 3 and SiO 2 (cristobalite phase) along with surface MnO x and Na-WO x sites at low temperature and oxidizing environments. Under the OCM reaction environment (T>800°C), the crystalline Na 2 WO 4 phase melts and Mn 2 O 3 phase reduces. In contrast, the surface MnO x and Na-WO x sites exhibit excellent thermal and chemical stability. Exposure of the 1.2Mn-5Na 2 WO 4 /SiO 2 catalyst to the OCM reaction environment redisperses the molten Na 2 WO 4 phase on the SiO 2 support to form new surface WO x sites. Interestingly, the stable MnO x species interacts with both molten Na 2 WO 4 phase and surface Na-WO x sites during OCM reaction. Controlled transient kinetic experiments in TAP and detailed steady state OCM fixed-bed reaction studies reveal the role and promotional effect of Mn in the 1.2Mn-5Na 2 WO 4 /SiO 2 catalyst. The W-oxides (both molten Na 2 WO 4 and surface Na-WO x sites) are the active sites for the catalytic OCM reaction and the MnO x species only function as promoters. The promotion of MnO x strongly depends on the gas phase O 2 partial pressure and the MnO x species act as mediators for oxygen exchange between the gas phase molecular O 2 and catalyst lattice oxygen. In conclusion, the temperature dependent MnO x promotion reveals that the MnO x species selectively promote the molten Na 2 WO 4 phase at lower reaction temperature and the surface Na-WO x sites at higher temperature.