Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “nonlinear phenomena”

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 163 records · Page 9
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1982

ISEE-1 and -2 observations of magnetic field strength overshoots in quasi-perpendicular bow shocks

According to the Rankine-Hugoniot jump conditions, the magnetic field strength increases in passing from upstream to downstream of a magnetohydrodynamic shock. At the earth's bow shock the magnetic field often increases significantly more than is required by the Rankine-Hugoniot conditions before decaying in an oscillatory fashion to its downstream average value. Recent OGO-5 and ISEE studies, together with the realization that overshoots also occur in the bow shocks of Venus, Jupiter, and Saturn have focussed attention on these phenomena. It is found that none of the nonlinear dispersive wave theories in the shock literature can account for the overshoot. The present investigation documents the dependence of the overshoot amplitude and thickness on solar wind parameters. Magnetic field overshoots are found to be characteristic of supercritical quasi-perpendicular shocks. The overshoot thickness scales as the ion Larmor radius based upon the solar wind speed and magnetic field.

Livesey, W. A.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Low-frequency ionization-driven instability of a discrete auroral arc model

The low-frequency (time scales of tens of seconds) dynamics of the auroral ionosphere differs from that of the nonauroral ionosphere by the presence of strong, unstable space- and time-dependent ionospheric ionization produced by precipitating auroral electrons. If recombination is relatively unimportant (as at high ionospheric heights), it is shown that, in general, transport processes cannot remove this ionization as fast as it is created, and no equilibrium is possible. These nonequilibrium phenomena are investigated in the context of a nonlinear adiabatic auroral model, which has previously been studied in static situations. A linearized local perturbation analysis is given of what amounts to a current-driven E x B gradient-drift instability with an ionization source, as well as some exact nonlinear solutions valid in a finite but limited spatial region. These solutions show continuing motion of auroral potential and plasma density, as the aurora tries to shift its ionization problems from one place to another. The analysis gives clues to the possibility of generation of chaos and of fine-scale spatial structure.

Cornwall, John M.↗
NASA NTRS1995

Visualization of numerical simulation results: An interactive tool for mission oriented theory

With the advent of multispacecraft missions, it became obvious that theoretical models are needed, not only to interpret local spacecraft observations, but also to link single point measurements. Models that address space plasma phenomena on local and global scales, that involve nonlinear processes, and that use self-consistent approaches, were developed. An interactive system for visualizing and analyzing numerical simulation results was also developed. This system is based on visualization modules which use the application visualization system and the NCAR graphic packages. Examples from recent simulations illustrate how these modules can be used for displaying and manipulating simulation results.

Berchem, Jean↗
NASA NTRS2011

Observation of Relativistic Electron Microbursts in Conjunction with Intense Radiation Belt Whistler-Mode Waves

We present multi-satellite observations of large amplitude radiation belt whistler-mode waves and relativistic electron precipitation. On separate occasions during the Wind petal orbits and STEREO phasing orbits, Wind and STEREO recorded intense whistler-mode waves in the outer nightside equatorial radiation belt with peak-to-peak amplitudes exceeding 300 mV/m. During these intervals of intense wave activity, SAMPEX recorded relativistic electron microbursts in near magnetic conjunction with Wind and STEREO. This evidence of microburst precipitation occurring at the same time and at nearly the same magnetic local time and L-shell with a bursty temporal structure similar to that of the observed large amplitude wave packets suggests a causal connection between the two phenomena. Simulation studies corroborate this idea, showing that nonlinear wave.particle interactions may result in rapid energization and scattering on timescales comparable to those of the impulsive relativistic electron precipitation.

Kersten, K.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Application of satellite data in observational and theoretical studies of the evolving structure of baroclinic waves

A variety of observational and theoretical studies were performed which were designed to clarify the relationship between satellite measurements of cloud and radiation and the evolution of transient and stationary circulation in middle latitudes. Satellite outgoing longwave radiation data are used to: (1) estimate the generation of available potential energy due to infrared radiation, and (2) show the extent to which these data can provide the signature of high and low frequency weather phenomena including blocking. In a significant series of studies the nonlinear, energetical, and predictability properties of these blocking situations, and the ralationship of blocking to the planetary, scale longwave structure are described. These studies form the background for continuing efforts to describe and theoretically account for these low frequency planetary wave phenomena in terms of their bimodal properties.

Saltzman, Barry↗
NASA NTRS1989

Integrated approach for active coupling of structures and fluids

Strong coupling of structure and fluids is common in many engineering environments, particularly when the flow is nonlinear and very sensitive to structural motions. Such coupling can give rise to physically important phenomena, such as a dip in the transonic flutter boundary of a wing. The coupled phenomenon can be analyzed in closed form for simple cases that are defined by linear structural and fluid equations of motion. However, complex cases defined by nonlinear equations pose a more difficult task for solution. It is important to understand these nonlinear coupled problems, since they may lead to physically important new phenomena. Flow discontinuities, such as a shock wave, and structural discontinuities, such as a hinge line of a control surface of a wing, can magnify the coupled effects and give rise to new phenomena. To study such a strongly coupled phenomenon, an integrated approach is presented in this paper. The aerodynamic and structural equations of motion are simultaneously integrated by a time-accurate numerical scheme. The theoretical simulation is done using the time-accurate unsteady transonic aerodynamic equations coupled with modal structural equations of motion. As an example, the coupled effect of shock waves and hinge-line discontinuities are studied for aeroelastically flexible wings with active control surfaces. The simulation in this study is modeled in the time domain and can be extended to simulate accurately other systems where fluids and structures are strongly coupled.

Guruswamy, Guru P.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Identification of nonlinear structural elements by force-state mapping

A major contributor to the passive damping and potentially nonlinear behavior of large space structures is the behavior of the joints. Proposed is an experimental technique called 'force-state mapping' that will allow ground testing of these key structural elements. The technique includes the use of very accurate instrumentation to measure the force transmission properties of a structural element as a function of its mechanical state. When these data are presented in the form of a force-state map, the nonlinearities exhibit distinctively recognizable patterns. This presentation of the data allows the extraction of the describing parameters of the linear and nonlinear behavior and the energy dissipation characteristics of the joint. A series of tests were carried out on an idealized laboratory test article to demonstrate the technique. Strong structural nonlinearities, including a cubic hardening spring, friction, and impact phenomena, were introduced and measured. Parameters identified by the force-state mapping technique are compared with those made by traditional techniques and the errors involved in the measurement are estimated.

Crawley, E. F.↗
NASA NTRS1985

A high-precision finite element method for shock-tube calculations

A two-pass explicit scheme is developed in order to exploit some of the capabilities of finite difference modeling (FDM) for finite element modeling (FEM), which offers the opportunity to account for any type of geometry in fluid flow modeling. Features of the first-order upwind and the Lax-Wendroff high precision explicit finite difference algorithms are reviewed. A flux limiter is developed for FEM to serve as an analog for the single limiter function which has been defined for the various FDMs. It is shown that an antidiffusive limiter must be introduced into the weighting function which normally multiplies the time-derivative term in the variational equation. The two-pass scheme which results is demonstrated to be the equivalent of FDMs with five-point support. However, the present scheme is valid only for one-dimensional calculations and linear shape functions for shock tube flow phenomena. Further work is required for its use with nonlinear hyperbolic systems.

Hughes, T. J. R.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Relative timing of substorm features in MHD simulations

An investigation of the temporal sequence of substorm phenomena based on three dimensional MHD (magnetohydrodynamic) simulations of magnetic reconnection and plasmoid formation is presented. The investigation utilizes a spatially localized resistivity model which leads to a significantly faster evolution than found in previous investigations. The analysis of the results concentrates on substorm features that have received considerable attention in the past. The formation of magnetic neutral lines, the occurrence of fast flows directed both earthward and tailward, and the magnetic field changes leading to the formation of the substorm current wedge, and to the depolarization of the magnetic field earthward of the reconnection region and its dependence on the spatial distribution of resistivity, are discussed. These phenomena are seen as an integral part of the nonlinear evolution of the three dimensional tearing instability.

Hesse, Michael↗
NASA NTRS1994

Cosmic structure formation

This article reviews the prevailing paradigm for how galaxies and larger structures formed in the universe: gravitational instability. Basic observational facts are summarized to motivate the standard cosmological framework underlying most detailed investigations of structure formation. The observed univers approaches spatial uniformity on scales larger than about 10(exp 26) cm. On these scales gravitational dynamics is almost linear and therefore relatively easy to relate to observations of large-scale structure. On smaller scales cosmic structure is complicated not only by nonlinear gravitational clustering but also by nonlinear nongravitational gas dynamical processes. The complexity of these phenomena makes galaxy formation one of the grand challenge problems of the physical sciences. No fully satisfactory theory can presently account in detail for the observed cosmic structure. However, as this article summarizes, significant progress has been made during the last few years.

Bertschinger, Edumund↗
NASA NTRS1994

Dynamics of Numerics and CFD

This lecture attempts to illustrate the basic ideas of how the recent advances in nonlinear dynamical systems theory (dynamics) can provide new insights into the understanding of numerical algorithms used in solving nonlinear differential equations (DEs). Examples will be given of the use of dynamics to explain unusual phenomena that occur in numerics. The inadequacy of the use of linearized analysis for the understanding of long time behavior of nonlinear problems will be illustrated, and the role of dynamics in studying the nonlinear stability, accuracy, convergence property and efficiency of using time- dependent approaches to obtaining steady-state numerical solutions in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) will briefly be explained.

Yee, H. C.↗
NASA NTRS1990

An experimental study of the nonlinear dynamic phenomenon known as wing rock

An experimental investigation into the physical phenomena associated with limit cycle wing rock on slender delta wings has been conducted. The model used was a slender flat plate delta wing with 80-deg leading edge sweep. The investigation concentrated on three main areas: motion characteristics obtained from time history plots, static and dynamic flow visualization of vortex position, and static and dynamic flow visualization of vortex breakdown. The flow visualization studies are correlated with model motion to determine the relationship between vortex position and vortex breakdown with the dynamic rolling moments. Dynamic roll moment coefficient curves reveal rate-dependent hysteresis, which drives the motion. Vortex position correlated with time and model motion show a time lag in the normal position of the upward moving wing vortex. This time lag may be the mechanism responsible for the hysteresis. Vortex breakdown is shown to have a damping effect on the motion.

Arena, A. S., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1987

A numerical solution of Duffing's equations including the prediction of jump phenomena

Numerical methodology for the solution of Duffing's differential equation is presented. Algorithms for the prediction of multiple equilibrium solutions and jump phenomena are developed. In addition, a filtering algorithm for producing steady state solutions is presented. The problem of a rigidly clamped circular plate subjected to cosinusoidal pressure loading is solved using the developed algorithms (the plate is assumed to be in the geometrically nonlinear range). The results accurately predict regions of solution multiplicity and jump phenomena.

Moyer, E. T., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1998

Nonlinear Insolation Forcing: A Physical Mechanism for Climate Change

This paper focuses on recent advances in the understanding of nonlinear insolation forcing for climate change. The amplitude-frequency resonances in the insolation variations induced by the Earth's changing obliquity are emergent and may provide a physical mechanism to drive the glaciation cycles. To establish the criterion that nonlinear insolation forcing is responsible for major climate changes, the cooperative phenomena between the frequency and amplitude of the insolation are defined as insolation pulsation. Coupling of the insolation frequency and amplitude variations has established an especially new and interesting series of insolation pulses. These pulses would modulate the insolation in such a way that the mode of insolation variations could be locked to generate the 100-kyr ice age cycle which is a long-time geophysical puzzle. The nonlinear behavior of insolation forcing is tested by energy balance and ice sheet climate models and the physical mechanism behind this forcing is explained in terms of pulse duration in the incoming solar radiation. Calculations of the solar energy flux at the top of the atmosphere show that the duration of the negative and positive insolation pulses is about 2 thousand years which is long enough to prolong glaciation into deep ice ages and cause rapid melting of large ice sheets in the high latitudes of the northern hemisphere. We have performed numerical simulations of climate response to nonlinear insolation forcing for the past 2 million years. Our calculated results of temperature fluctuations are in good agreement with the climate cycles as seen in the terrestrial biogenic silica (BDP-96-2) data as well as in the marine oxygen isotope (delta(sup 18)O) records.

Liu, H. S.↗
NASA NTRS1998

Stable Tearing and Buckling Responses of Unstiffened Aluminum Shells with Long Cracks

The results of an analytical and experimental study of the nonlinear response of thin, unstiffened, aluminum cylindrical shells with a long longitudinal crack are presented. The shells are analyzed with a nonlinear shell analysis code that accurately accounts for global and local structural response phenomena. Results are presented for internal pressure and for axial compression loads. The effect of initial crack length on the initiation of stable crack growth and unstable crack growth in typical shells subjected to internal pressure loads is predicted using geometrically nonlinear elastic-plastic finite element analyses and the crack-tip-opening angle (CTOA) fracture criterion. The results of these analyses and of the experiments indicate that the pressure required to initiate stable crack growth and unstable crack growth in a shell subjected to internal pressure loads decreases as the initial crack length increases. The effects of crack length on the prebuckling, buckling and postbuckling responses of typical shells subjected to axial compression loads are also described. For this loading condition, the crack length was not allowed to increase as the load was increased. The results of the analyses and of the experiments indicate that the initial buckling load and collapse load for a shell subjected to axial compression loads decrease as the initial crack length increases. Initial buckling causes general instability or collapse of a shell for shorter initial crack lengths. Initial buckling is a stable local response mode for longer initial crack lengths. This stable local buckling response is followed by a stable postbuckling response, which is followed by general or overall instability of the shell.

Starnes, James H., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1999

Stable Tearing and Buckling Responses of Unstiffened Aluminum Shells with Long Cracks

The results of an analytical and experimental study of the nonlinear response of thin, unstiffened, aluminum cylindrical shells with a long longitudinal crack are presented. The shells are analyzed with a nonlinear shell analysis code that accurately accounts for global and local structural response phenomena. Results are presented for internal pressure and for axial compression loads. The effect of initial crack length on the initiation of stable crack growth and unstable crack growth in typical shells subjected to internal pressure loads is predicted using geometrically nonlinear elastic-plastic finite element analyses and the crack-tip-opening angle (CTOA) fracture criterion. The results of these analyses and of the experiments indicate that the pressure required to initiate stable crack growth and unstable crack growth in a shell subjected to internal pressure loads decreases as the initial crack length increases. The effects of crack length on the prebuckling, buckling and postbuckling responses of typical shells subjected to axial compression loads are also described. For this loading condition, the crack length was not allowed to increase as the load was increased. The results of the analyses and of the experiments indicate that the initial buckling load and collapse load for a shell subjected to axial compression loads decrease as the initial crack length increases. Initial buckling causes general instability or collapse of a shell for shorter initial crack lengths. Initial buckling is a stable local response mode for longer initial crack lengths. This stable local buckling response is followed by a stable postbuckling response, which is followed by general or overall instability of the shell.

Starnes, James H., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1998

Buckling and Stable Tearing Responses of Unstiffened Aluminum Shells with Long Cracks

The results of an analytical and experimental study of the nonlinear response of thin, unstiffened, aluminum cylindrical shells with a long longitudinal crack are presented. The shells are analyzed with a nonlinear shell analysis code that accurately accounts for global and local structural response phenomena. Results are presented for internal pressure and for axial compression loads. The effect of initial crack length on the initiation of stable tearing and unstable crack growth in typical shells subjected to internal pressure loads is predicted using geo- metrically nonlinear elastic-plastic finite element analyses. The results of these analyses and of the experiments indicate that the pressure required to initiate stable tearing and unstable tearing in a shell subjected to internal pressure loads decreases as the crack length increases. The effects of crack length on the prebuckling, buckling and postbuckling responses of typical shells subjected to axial compression are also described. For this loading condition, the crack length is held constant. The results of the analyses illustrate the influence of crack length on shell buckling instabilities. The experimental and analytical results correlate well.

Starnes, James H., Jr.↗